Three days after their 27-24 loss to the Detroit Lions, the Bears return to the practice field Wednesday to begin preparing for Sunday's game against the Eagles in Philadelphia.
The Bears (3-7) have lost three straight games and five of seven since a Week 3 overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Soldier Field. They have dropped 11 of their last 12 road games, including three of four this season.
The Eagles (9-1) possess the best record in the NFL, have won eight straight games, are 5-0 at home and lead the league with a point differential of 132. Last Monday night they outscored the Cowboys 30-0 in the second half en route to a 37-9 victory in Dallas.
With Thanksgiving on Thursday, senior writer Larry Mayer ranks the 10 Bears players he'd most like on his team in his annual Turkey Bowl.
Covering punts in a game that features several middle-aged non-athletes is an underrated skill, and no one does it better than McManis.
A new go-to receiver is needed now that all-time Turkey Bowl leading pass catcher Aunt Erma is recovering from back surgery.
Howard is capable of carrying a heavy workload, which will come in handy when every family member on his team gets winded 10 minutes into the game.
Hicks possesses the size, demeanor and determination to devour the competition in the backyard as well as the turkey on the dining room table.
As one of four brothers to play in the NFL, Fuller no doubt has taken part in some pretty competitive family Turkey Bowls in his backyard.
One of the nicest and friendliest players on the Bears roster, Acho has the temperament to deal with any relative who tries to discuss politics on Thanksgiving.
Having lined up across from Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive lineman Howie Long during his family Turkey Bowls, Kyle possesses the experience to excel.
McPhee possesses the tenacity, personality and sense of humor to make both the Turkey Bowl and the Thanksgiving meal entertaining and memorable.
The rookie quarterback can make plays with his arm and his legs, and even with a piano on his back can outrun the family's top pass rusher, Grandma Phyllis.
Whether it's tackle or two-hand touch, no one is laying a hand on the elusive rookie, not even cousin Phil who almost ran track in junior college.
The Eagles are led by quarterback Carson Wentz. The second pick in the 2016 draft has completed 59.7 percent of his passes for 2,430 yards with 25 touchdowns, five interceptions and a 103.4 passer rating that ranks fourth in the NFL.
Tight end Zach Ertz leads Philadelphia with 45 receptions for 536 yards and six touchdowns. Former Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery has caught 38 passes for 567 yards and six TDs.
The Eagles have a powerful ground game led by LaGarrette Blount (122 carries for 561 yards and two touchdowns), Corey Clement (54-232-4) and Jay Ajayi (15-168-1), who was recently acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins.
The Bears lead the all-time series with the Eagles 30-13-1 but have lost two straight. Philadelphia won the last meeting 29-14 on Sept. 19, 2016 at Soldier Field.
Trailing just 9-7 at halftime, the Bears committed turnovers on three of their first four drives of the second half and allowed Eagles touchdowns on three straight possessions. Eight Bears were injured in the game, including Jay Cutler, Danny Trevathan, Lamarr Houston and Eddie Goldman.
Entering Week 12 the Bears rank 26th in offense (5th rushing and 31st passing) and 11th in defense (12th against the run and 12th versus the pass). The Eagles rank 3rd in offense (2nd rushing and 15th passing) and 7th in defense (1st against the run and 19th versus the pass).
ChicagoBears.com will provide all the latest news throughout the week from Halas Hall. Coach John Fox will address the media Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and special-teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers will speak Wednesday.
