Chicago Bears: Fletcher Cox thinks Eagles defense is better

The bulletin board material keeps growing for the Chicago Bears, as Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Fletcher Cox had some interesting words.

The Chicago Bears finished the regular season 12-4 on the back of one of the stronger defenses over the last decade. Chicago’s defensive unit finished first in several major categories over the regular season, namely interceptions, total takeaways, points allowed per game and opponent passer rating.

Still, that didn’t stop Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Fletcher Cox from giving Chicago a little more motivation for this weekend’s NFC Wildcard tilt — as if they needed more.

"“I’ve got a really good feeling we will be the better defense on Sunday.”"

Sure, the Eagles have won five of six games. That’s impressive. But, there is no hotter team heading into the playoffs than the Bears, who have won nine of 10.

Philly has a pair of double-digit sack artists, between both Cox and defensive end Michael Bennett totaling 11. Their front seven is definitely a solid one. I can’t take anything away from them, there. Yet, looking at the Bears and their Pro Bowl-studded defense, there is simply no way the Eagles can compare.

For one, the Eagles’ secondary is flat-out atrocious. Philly finished the regular season as the 30th-ranked pass defense in all of football, with just the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs behind them. The Bears led the league with 27 interceptions, while the Eagles had just 10.

I get that Cox wants to pump up his teammates and get the Eagles fans all riled up for those traveling to Soldier Field, but he’s also doing the exact opposite. It’s no secret that Eagles fans are some of the most rambunctious in the league — just check social media.

With comments like this, plus everything Alshon Jeffery had to say recently, these Eagles are in for quite the rude awakening on Sunday as they head into a vivacious crowd in Chicago. Bears fans have been starved of playoff football, and finally they not only have a good football team, but a great defense to watch.

The Eagles had their fun last year as an unlikely story. It was good for the league. But, this just ain’t their year. Mr. Cox, get ready, because the Monsters of the Midway are back.