A year ago on Thanksgiving in Detroit the Chicago Bears lost a bad game that paved the way to hiring a great coach.

Here are the top three defensive keys for the Chicago Bears as they face the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday.

The Bears are activating defensive backs Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon for their Week 13 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards was still listed as a non-participant as he continues to deal with hand and hamstring injuries.

While the Bears do not play on Sunday this week, they aren’t playing on Thanksgiving either. Instead, the team will be taking on the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday at Lincoln Financial Field, giving themselves a stern test as they take on the defending Super Bowl champions.

It’s only been one year, but it might feel like a few years rolled together. The 8-3 Bears can reflect on where they are after Thanksgiving brought massive changes last year.

Friday will be a homecoming for a Chicago Bears standout when the Philadelphia Eagles host the NFC North leaders at Lincoln Financial Field. Bears safety Kevin Byard was with the Eagles for less than a season, so he’s “not expecting a tribute video” at the Linc. But the Philadelphia native is looking forward to his return.

The Bears have several players worthy of postseason accolades, a testament to an 8-3 record entering their Black Friday game in Philly.