Defense Sharp in Eagle`s Rise

On Sunday the Eagles get a look at one of the most diverse offenses in the league - the spread offense run by the Chicago Bears.

"I`m concerned about the Bears," said Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson on Wednesday. "Their offense is completely foreign to us."

It`s completely foreign to most teams in the league. Johnson says the Bears run a scheme similar to the run-and-shoot attack some teams used in the late-1980s and early 1990s. The idea is to spread the field and get the ball in the hands of the receivers quickly.

Under Johnson, who became the Eagles` defensive coordinator in 1999, Philadelphia usually dictates the tempo to opposing offenses because it likes to blitz so much.

Johnson isn`t so sure the blitz will be a large component of the X`s and O`s Sunday.

"We have to get pressure from our front four. That`s what is important," said Johnson. "They run four and five receivers in and out of there so much that we have to use a lot of different personnel packages."

The Eagles will be alert to what Johnson calls a "bubble screen." It`s a screen pass, usually to a wide receiver, where the pass catcher comes back across the field to make his gains. It`s not a traditional screen pass. Then again, the Bears do not use a traditional offense.

"We have to rally to the ball and be aggressive," strong safety Damon Moore said. "It`s a matter of sticking with it and using great effort. They live off the big play. We have to be aware of that and limit their options."

The Eagles will also look to get defensive end Hugh Douglas involved very early. He`s leading the NFC with 9 quarterback sacks and the Eagles want to hit Chicago quarterback Cade McNown as often as possible.

McNown has thrown eight interceptions in seven games. The Eagles are tied for third in the NFL with 11 interceptions and have 16 total takeaways, tied for fourth in the league.

(Copyright 2000 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Author: AP