Eagles’ defense ridiculously good

Rumors and speculation surrounded Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb during the offseason. It was thought he might return to his hometown to play for the Chicago Bears.

McNabb is headed home Sunday, but he's still leading the Eagles, and for that he's lucky. He would hate to face this Philadelphia defense, which last week resembled the NFL's version of the old Hell's Angels.

It's not a good time to be Bears quarterback Kyle Orton, who could be turning black and blue Sunday night at Soldier Field.

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson long has been respected around the league for his creative blitzing schemes. But he stepped it up last week against Pittsburgh, turning his attack dogs loose on almost every snap.

Johnson's defense was relentless in its assault on the Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger, sacking him eight times, forcing three fumbles, getting an interception and a safety and knocking the snot out of him in Philadelphia's 15-6 victory.

Don't expect the Eagles to back off against the inexperienced Orton, who runs as if he's carrying a suitcase and a tray of drinks. Orton should be an easy target, and if he throws a duck, Asante Samuel and Brian Dawkins will be waiting to pick it off.

The Bears will try to utilize rookie running back Matt Forte, who is fourth in the league with 304 yards rushing, but the Eagles' run defense is allowing a ridiculous 45.7 yards per game.

The concerns for Philadelphia are getting McNabb and running back Brian Westbrook on the field after neither practiced Thursday. McNabb has a chest injury and Westbrook has an injured right ankle. McNabb practiced Friday and probably will play. If Westbrook can't go, Correll Buckhalter is a solid backup.

Chicago has health problems, too, as wideout/kick returner Devin Hester is questionable with a rib injury.

With a healthy McNabb and a defense that incites riots, the Eagles should cover as 3-point favorites.

Four more plays for Week 4 (home team in CAPS):

• Texans (+7) over JAGUARS: Houston, which has covered nine of 12 against Jacksonville, has a strong defensive front led by DeMeco Ryans and Mario Williams. The Texans looked terrible in two blowouts on the road, but expect to see improvement as they take the Jaguars to the wire.

• 49ers (+5) over SAINTS: Injuries are weakening the New Orleans defense, and the offense is without tight end Jeremy Shockey, wideout Marques Colston and, so far, running back Deuce McAllister. The Saints are 4-11 in their past 15 games as a home favorite. San Francisco has the better defense, and J.T. O'Sullivan is developing into a capable quarterback.

• BUCCANEERS (-1) over Packers: Tampa Bay is 7-2 in its past nine as a home favorite. Bucs coach Jon Gruden finally opened up the offense last week, and it worked as Brian Griese completed 38 of 67 passes for 407 yards.

• Chargers (-71/2) over RAIDERS: Philip Rivers has a hot hand and plenty of weapons around him. The San Diego quarterback has passed for 844 yards and nine touchdowns while rolling up a league-high rating of 124.8. The Chargers have owned the Raiders by winning nine straight and covering nine of the past 10.

Last week: 3-2 against the spread

Season: 9-5-1

Review-Journal sportswriter Matt Youmans can be reached at 702-387-2907 or myoumans@reviewjournal.com.