Devin Hester didnt score. Matt Forte didnt either. And he fumbled twice.
Yet the Eagles lost to the Bears anyway.
Why?
The defense failed to hold yet another fourth-quarter lead. In fact the Eagles not only failed to sack Jay Cutler (who had been sacked at least once in all but one other game as a Bear) but also werent credited with a QB hit. This against a shuffled offensive line without rookie first-round tackle Gabe Carimi for the sixth consecutive game, an O-line which Pro Football Focus ranked as the league's third-worst pass blocking unit entering Monday night.
The Bears max-protected, and the Eagles couldnt penetrate.
Really youve got to tip your hat to the seven, eight-man protection, Jason Babin said. When you have that many guys against four guys, the odds are definitely stacked against you.
Of course, they did hit Cutler oncebut it cost them.
NFL
On third-and-four from the Eagles four, late in the first half, Babin appeared to be shoved into Cutler by center Chris Spencer and was called for roughing the passer. Marion Barber scored a TD on the next play.
I could call it more of an ejection, Babin said. I was pushed pretty bad.
Late in the fourth quarter, on third-and-11, the Eagles blitzed and still couldnt get to Cutler, who flung a pass toward Johnny Knox, and Nnamdi Asomugha was flagged for pass interference.
The Bears kicked a field goal, the Eagles final drive faltered, and now theyre playoff hopes are flickering.
I think were all shocked, Asomugha said. Were all obviously wishing that things were better, but they arent. So now we just look forward. We have a game coming up in six days (vs. Arizona), and weve got to do better. Its another NFC team, so weve got to win it.
People are upset. Theyre mad, and Im glad they are, Babin said. We need to be. Honestly, everyones a little pissed off because this is not where we want to be and not where we should be.
E-mail Andy Schwartz at aschwartz@comcastsportsnet.com.