The Chicago Bears face a big test on Monday night when they face the Washington Commanders.
Any Monday night game feels bigger, but with the baggage and history of last year’s game and subsequent losing streak, it feels like this game is bigger.
The Bears are coming off the bye, hopefully a bit healthier. Washington has injury concerns of their own with Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel nursing injuries.
But Jayden Daniels is healthy and his matchup against Caleb Williams is going to get all of the attention
here. It’s sure to happen whenever these two meet as starters. The first two picks of the 2024 NFL Draft will always be tied together in that way.
Chicago also needs to find some defensive answers after struggling to stop the run through their first four games. The Commanders boast the best rushing offense in the league.
Let’s break this one down.
Sam: Washington boasts a top-10 offense and defense in terms of points scored and allowed. The Bears will have to stop the run to stay in this game. Washington ranks 29th in third down conversions on offense. The problem? They’ve faced the second-fewest third down attempts. Stop them on first and second down and force them into third and long situations.
Lester: The Bears aren’t going to win this game unless they can stop the run, so if their bye week self-scouting didn’t find any answers, this could be a long night. The Commanders have the most rushing yards in the NFL, and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt leads the league at 6.6 yards per carry.
Gary: Like many will probably mention, slowing down the Commies run game is key this week. Jayden Daniels is a dynamic QB who only gets better the better the Commanders, and himself, run the ball. The better we can slow them down on the ground, the better chance we have of escaping DC with a W.
Gooch: The biggest key is that Tyrique needs to not see ghosts in his return to WAS and play like the CB1 he has played like the last two games. Bears MUST get the running game going so the play action pass slows the rush – with likely a Bears tackle combination of Benedt at LT and Ozzy in at RT if Wright can’t go. I NEED Austin Booker to sack the QB in this game, and hopefully, we see the effect of getting Spidey back in the run fits.
Jack: The Commanders have a potent rushing attack, with three different running backs averaging over 4.5 yards-per-carry, usually indicating great offensive line play. As much as the pre-game will make this seem like Jayden vs Caleb, I think the key to controlling this game will be winning in the trenches. Then in the 4th quarter, be the team with less mistakes. The team with less penalties, and probably a timely turnover (Daniels has yet to throw a pick this year) should walk away victorious.
What are your keys to a Bears victory?
