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Eagles get their crack at suspect Bears defense

Oct 21, 2007 - 10:30 AM Chicago (2-4) at Philadelphia (2-3) Sunday 4:15 pm EDT

PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- With all the controversy surrounding the Chicago Bears' quarterback situation, the defense has been overlooked. Not anymore.

Coming off a string of abysmal performances by their once-proud defense, Chicago hits the road to take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in a matchup of defending division champions.

The Bears were victimized Sunday by a dazzling performance from Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson, who shredded their defense for 224 yards and three touchdowns in a 34-31 victory.

Peterson gashed Chicago with scoring runs of 73, 67 and 35 yards, handing the Bears their third loss in four games.

"You have to give Peterson a lot of credit," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "He's a special running back and we weren't able to stop him."

Chicago hasn't been able to stop anybody lately. In their last four games, the Bears have allowed 125 points - an average of 31.2 per game - in falling into last place in the NFC North.

Quarterback Brian Griese, in his second start since replacing Rex Grossman, completed 26-of-45 passes for 381 yards with three touchdowns, including an 81-yard scoring pass to Devin Hester.

Hester also returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown, his second of the season and eighth career kick return for a score for the second-year player.

The Eagles held off a late drive to defeat the New York Jets, 16-9, and improve to 9-0 after a bye under coach Andy Reid.

Running back Brian Westbrook returned after missing one game due to an abdomen injury and rumbled for 120 yards on 20 carries. He also caught six passes for 36 yards.

Buoyed by the return of his star running back, quarterback Donovan McNabb finished 22-of-35 for 278 yards, including a 75-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Curtis.

Cornerback Sheldon Brown, however, made the play of the game, breaking up a 4th-and-1 pass at the 4-yard line with 3 1/2 minutes to play to preserve the victory.

"I love it when they throw to me," said Brown, who also had an interception in the game. "It gives me the chance to make plays."

Philadelphia, which is at the bottom of the NFC East standings, has dominated the series recently, winning the last five meetings, including postseason play.