Both teams in 
must-win situation

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Donovan McNabb called it a “must win,” and just to be clear, he was only referring to his Philadelphia Eagles.

That the Chicago Bears are in a similar spot was merely a coincidence, yet after a rough few weeks, that’s where these teams stand heading into their game Sunday night.

The Eagles (5-4) are coming off two close losses. The Bears (4-5) have dropped four of five. Both teams need a win.

“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 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.”

So are the Bears.

They’ve allowed 41 or more points twice during this skid and are fading fast from playoff contention. Their franchise quarterback, Jay Cutler, has been on the run all season, taking big hits behind a struggling offensive line. Now, he’s in 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. All came in 49ers territory and two stopped drives near the goal line, another rough night for a quarterback who has struggled this season under the lights.

Photos posted online suggest Cutler is perfectly comfortable being out past sundown, but things get a little spooky when he steps on the field. His 11 interceptions in three night games – all losses and all on the road – are jarring, but jittery fans can take comfort in the fact he has been picked off just 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.”

Adding to the Eagles’ difficulties is being without Brian Westbrook again. The star running back is out indefinitely after suffering two concussions in three weeks, the latest in a line of injuries. He underwent neurological tests in Pittsburgh on Wednesday and the results were promising, although it’s unknown if he’ll return this season.

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