Bears vs. Commanders Preview (10-26-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
Landover, MD – The Washington Commanders welcome the Chicago Bears to town Sunday afternoon, in a week eight matchup at Northwest Stadium.
Chicago (4-2) returns from their trip across the pond to London, in a 35-16 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Number one overall pick Caleb Williams completed 23-of-29 passes for 226 passing yards, four touchdowns, and one interception. Williams also ran for 56 rushing yards on four carries.
Meanwhile, Washington (5-2) is coming off a convincing victory against the Carolina Panthers where they won 40-7. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels exited the game in the first quarter after sustaining a rib injury after a 46-yard run. Daniels was replaced by veteran Marcus Mariota who threw for 205 yards and two touchdowns.
At the time of this article, Daniels was held out of practice on Wednesday & Thursday and practiced in Friday’s session. Head Coach Dan Quinn said, “They followed the plan they set for the week, and will assess how he responds to the work that we did over the next 48 hours.” His status for Sunday’s contest is a game-time decision and if he can’t go look at Mariota starting in his place.
Keys To Victory
● Run The Ball: Part of Washington’s success on the offensive side for them is their ability to run the ball effectively. The use of the RPO has put defenses in tough positions against the Commanders due to the quarterbacks’ ability to use their legs and their need to respect that aspect. Sunday, Brian Robinson Jr. will be tested against a top-15 rushing defense and will need his fair share of carries to get him going early. If the Commanders can continue the use of their top three run game then that can help open up plays down the field for receivers.
● Keep Receivers In Front Of You: The Commanders’ secondary will be tested against the wide-receiver trio of Keenan Allen, DJ Moore, and Rome Odunze. Odunze can stretch the field with his speed, Moore and Allen are proven wide-receiver stars that make defense’s key in on. They must not allow them to produce big plays and make things easier for Williams. Communication, knowing where to be in different coverages, and now allowing receivers to get behind them will aid them tremendously. Last year, DJ Moore torched Washington for 230 yards and three scores. Making sure this doesn’t happen again will lead to a victory.
● Make Williams Play Hero Ball: During this season Willams has had moments where he’s tried to extend plays like he did back in his USC days which has led to negative yardage plays or turnovers. Washington must make him uncomfortable in the pocket and not allow him time to go through his reads. Pushing him out of the pocket can be bad but also good forcing him into bad decision-making when on the fly. If the defense can get Williams to overthink and then hold the ball longer then that can result in some big plays for this defense to make.
Chicago and Washington Player To Watch
● DB Jaylon Johnson: One of the league’s top cornerbacks’ is Mr. Johnson, he’ll be everywhere on the field, looking to force turnovers and blow up plays before they can even develop. Opposing offenses make sure not to test him and gameplan around him. Johnson has five pass deflections, and two interceptions, and has only given up 113 yards. He could shadow wide receiver Terry McLaurin throughout the game.
● WR Terry McLaurin: McLaurin keeps producing, and racking up big-time catches throughout the games. He’ll be a main watch for the Bears’ defensive game plan but bet on 17 to find ways to continue to make his preference felt.
History vs. Chicago
Washington leads the all-time series vs the Bears 27-25-1 includes seven matchups in the postseason. The Bears won last season’s matchup 40-20 back in week five.
Return Of A Former First-rounder
Defensive end Montez Sweat makes his return to Washington for the first time since being traded to Chicago at last year’s trade deadline. The 2018 first-round selection said to the media about facing his former team after being traded versus kept and extended ” I think like any other player would be, they would be a little offended, but it’s a business and I understand what comes with that.” He also added “So maybe this week is maybe a little motivation. But it’s just another week.”
Final Verdict
Sunday will be a good test for this unit. They are playing a team that has championship-caliber pieces on their roster. Chicago is also looking to make noise in their division as heavyweights. Can Washington limit the big plays, continue their offensive success, and stay poised is the question? No matter if Daniels is playing or not, the Commanders still have a chance to win and have the talent to do so.
