The Chicago Bears roll into Week 13 on a four-game win streak. They are set to match up against the Philadelphia Eagles, who saw their defense collapse and blow a 21-point lead to the Dallas Cowboys in a Week 12 loss.
In that matchup, Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean struggled immensely in man coverage, and that should be a point of emphasis for Chicago going into this contest. Against the Cowboys, DeJean was targeted six times in man coverage, allowing five catches for 152 receiving yards and a score.
These stats are jarring and showcase that this could be an area to attack DeJean and the Eagles' secondary.
Bears Should Attack Cooper DeJean Often in Man Coverage
Through 11 weeks, the Eagles played man coverage in 23.8% of their defensive plays, and that's where George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb have found success. That, in combination with DeJean's disappointing play, is something that should ring bells to Ben Johnson.
Rome Odunze and DJ Moore have both run 80+ routes against man coverage this season, as each player averaged 6-plus yards per target, according to statrankings.com.
Meanwhile, Luther Burden has had the most production against man this year, averaging 16.3 yards per target versus man coverage. Granted, he's fourth among Bears receivers in total snaps (210), but Burden III has logged a snap share of at least 44% in the last three weeks. His snaps have increased, and since DeJean lines up in the slot a ton, he could match up with Burden III on several plays.
And whether it's Burden, Odunze, or Moore, the Bears should make a concerted effort to target DeJean when the Eagles run man coverage.
Earlier in the month, Ben Johnson revealed that he doesn't like 50/50 balls. He prefers to get his guys out in space and allow them to create after the catch, but in this affair, he may have to alter some of that thinking if the opportunity presents itself.
It should be pointed out that Pickens, who's having a career year, was the one who tormented DeJean. Nonetheless, what DeJean put on film shows there are areas where he can attack.
As the season has progressed, Caleb Williams has gotten more comfortable within the offense. The Bears are 12th in the NFL in total offense (227.4), while Williams hasn't thrown an interception over the past month.
This matchup will be a tough NFC battle, but there could be room for attacking DeJean in man coverage, as he showed in the loss to the Cowboys. And it doesn't help that the Eagles will be without Andrew Mukuba and will be forced to lean on Sydney Brown, who has been disappointing.