Donovan McNabb called it a "must win,'' and just to be clear, he was only referring to his Philadelphia Eagles.
"This is a must win for us and that's the way that we have to approach it,'' said McNabb, a Chicago product. "I wouldn't care if it's at Soldier Field, I wouldn't care if it's playing in Champaign, Ill., or we can play in Oklahoma, it doesn't matter. This is a game that we need to win. That's the way I'm approaching it and that's the way the other guys are approaching it as well.''
The Eagles (5-4) are coming off two close losses. The Bears (4-5) have dropped four of five. Both teams desperately need a win at Soldier Field.
Let's hope Jay Cutler doesn't find his way out of the worst slump he can remember. He has a league-high 17 interceptions and 12 in the last five games after being picked off five times in a 10-6 loss at San Francisco on Nov. 12. But he's only been picked off twice at home.
"When things are going bad like that, you've got to stay positive,'' Cutler said. "You've got to keep guys believing in the huddle, which I think they do. I think they know I'm going to bounce back.''
So are the Birds, after falling 31-23 at San Diego last week despite McNabb's 450 yards and after the humiliating loss to Dallas. The Eagles are now tied with the Giants in the NFC East, a game behind the division-leading Cowboys.
With Brian Westbrook sidelined again after a second concussion, a lot's riding on LeSean McCoy.
"I think (McCoy's) maturation rate has been excelled due to what Brian has gone through and that started back up at camp,'' coach Andy Reid said. "I think he's handled it well. I think he feels good physically right now. He's not banged-up or nicked-up. I think he's OK there. He's excited about the opportunity this week to jump in there and be the guy.''
Kickoff's at 8:20 p.m. Sunday on NBC.
