The Chicago Bears will face a huge test when they battle the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday. This is Chicago’s chance to take down an elite team while moving to 9-3 on the season. It is going to be a battle. Win or lose, a good effort would go a long way for Chicago. 

The Bears are a team that heavily relies on getting contributions from everyone. No single player has stood out above the rest to ensure that the team takes a step. Obviously, a few positions are always going to impact a game more than others, but this is truly a team. 

Ben Johnson, if anyone, deserves the most credit for the turnaround. The first-year head coach has brought energy, schemes, and culture back to the organization. So far, he has lived up to all the hype. 

Seven players on Chicago’s roster are the most likely to impact the game against Philadelphia. 

CB Jaylon Johnson

For the first time since Week 2, it sounds like Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson will be on the field for the Bears. Johnson, who had surgery on his groin, was activated off injured reserve on Thursday, and he’s expected to play against the Eagles. It’s a huge boost for this Chicago secondary that will have to contend with A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

CB Kyler Gordon

The Bears secondary could see an additional boost with the return of nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon, who landed on injured reserve with a calf injury and has missed the last five games. With Gordon’s absence, Chicago signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson to occupy the slot, and he’s filled in admirably. But Gordon, when healthy, is one of the game’s best slot cornerbacks, and without their three starting linebackers, the Bears are going to need Gordon at his best.

DE Montez Sweat

The Bears need Montez Sweat to be at his best against the Eagles. A lot of what the Bears have done this season has been because of their offensive line. Well, the Eagles know that feeling and have had it for a long time. They are as good in the trenches as any team in the league. Sweat must be able to make some plays against them if the Bears defense wants to have success. With the way they’d like to turn the ball over, having Hurts running around would help with creating them. Sweat must lead in that department. 

S Kevin Byard

Speaking of turnovers, safety Kevin Byard has been one of the best ball hawks in the NFL this season. Expect him to make Jalen Hurts think twice about where he’s going to throw the ball. Byard has also become a calming presence on the Bears defense. He is a long-time NFL veteran who knows what it takes to be successful in the league. In a big game like this, expect him to bring his A-level stuff. 

QB Caleb Williams

Quarterback Caleb Williams has continued to find ways to win. Sometimes it takes a miracle, and sometimes he just leads his team down the field in crunch time. Against the Eagles, with some good players coming after him, it will be critical for him to know what to do. If there was ever an opponent who would be unforgiving of mistakes, it is the Eagles. Williams must protect the football and make progress in his attempt to run a machine. 

WR DJ Moore

Last week, DJ Moore had one of the best weeks a receiver has had for the Bears this season. It was one of his personal bests i Bears uniform as well.

Last week, wide receiver DJ Moore led the team in receptions and receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns, and he could be in for another big day. Moore’s future with the Bears is often debated, but his ability to make a difference on an NFL field can’t be argued. Is Moore a top-10 receiver? No, he is not. Is he a very good weapon for a young Caleb Williams? Absolutely. The Bears need him and his capabilities on display during the game on Friday. Both Williams and Ben Johnson will be better at their jobs if Moore makes an impact.

LG Joe Thuney

Joe Thuney is one of the best players on the Bears. He is never going to get the praise of a skilled player on offense or defense, but he deserves it. Without the addition of Thuney, this offensive line would not be the weapon that it is for Chicago right now. At this point in the season, it is one of the elite of the NFL. Thuney has a big test this weekend against the Eagles. He will be facing off against Jalen Carter and his group of pass rushers, who helped the team to a Super Bowl against him at the end of last season. Of course, Thuney was on the losing end with the Kansas City Chiefs, but he now knows what to expect. If Thuney and the line protect Williams well, the Bears do actually have a true chance to win the game.