Daniels’ Late Fumble Leads to Chicago’s Game-Winning Field Goal (10-13-25)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagen
LANDOVER, MD— A game-changing handoff changed the tide of Monday Night’s matchup between the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders. Washington (3-3) had the ball at the Chicago 40-yard line, with 3:10 on the clock in the fourth. It was third-and-one, and the Commanders lined up in the pistol formation with Jacory Croskey-Meritt as the backer. Daniels snapped and juggled the ball, but couldn’t carry it correctly on the exchange. The ball bounced into Croskey-Merrit’s chest, causing a fumble, which Chicago’s Nashon Wright recovered.
Chicago (3-2) running back D’Andre Swift then had five carries for 34 yards on the nine-play final drive that led to the kicker Jake Moody drilling a 38-yard field goal. Swift dominated the game with 14 carries, 108 yards, 7.7 per carry, and two receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown reception. Washington’s defensive line struggled to get any push or resistance in the trenches. The Chicago offensive line was excellent on the inside and pulling to the outside for those outside runs.
Daniels had a nice showing, completing 19-of-26 passes for 211 yards, three passing touchdowns, one interception, and a QB rating of 119.2. He also added 10 rushes for 52 yards. Despite the two crucial turnovers, Daniels played admirably, helping the team recover from a double-digit deficit again and take a two-score lead.
Commanders’ ESPN reporter, John Keim, got to speak to veteran tight-end Zach Ertz postgame, who talked about the importance of having Daniels out there, stating, “We have no chance being in that game without Jayden, the plays he made with his legs and arm. Jayden Daniels was the only reason we were in the game and in a position to win.”
Switching over to Chicago, the hometown kid, Caleb Williams, went 17-of-29 in the passing game for 252 yards, one passing touchdown, and was sacked three times. Williams wasn’t spectacular but managed the game well and protected the ball.
Costly turnovers killed the Commanders
The Commanders’ opening drive saw them march to Chicago’s 21-yard line. Unfortunately, the drive ended with Daniels throwing late to receiver Deebo Samuel, who worked up the seam for a short shot in the endzone and was picked off by Jaquan Brisker.
On the next Washington drive, Croskey-Merritt was stripped by former Commander Montez Sweat on the second play.
Finally, the aforementioned Daniels fumble in the fourth quarter rounded up Washington’s third game turnover.
You can’t expect to win games when you turn the ball over that many times, especially in key situations when you’re in the red zone and driving to run out the clock. Have to clean up those mistakes.
The Defense continues to underwhelm
After a great outing last week against the Chargers, the defense was looking to build on back-to-back good showings. However, their play last night left many unimpressed with what was displayed on the field. The run defense was non-existent the previous night, surrendering 145 yards, one touchdown, and 5.4 yards per carry. The Commanders’ defensive line was outphysicalled by Chicago’s o-line, and it showed in the amount of yards that were gained per play, whether it was pass or run.
Tackling continues to be a struggle. There were instances when Washington defenders couldn’t bring down the ball carriers on the first contact. A prime example was in the fourth, on a short left pass to Swift out of the backfield, who slipped off of safety Quan Martin and ran up the sidelines for a 55-yard score.
Coverage is not up to par as it could be. Rookie corner Trey Amos continues to be Washington’s best DB this season, as he continues to develop weekly, but even he struggles at times. Second-year DB Mikey Sainirstill has had a disappointing sophomore campaign, as he has struggled to stay with receivers and put himself in a good position to make a play on the ball. He gave up a 37-yard deep shot to Luther Burden III and nearly gave up a touchdown to Rome Odunze that was called back due to an illegal formation penalty.
But Washington’s zone coverage continues to get broken down, with offenses able to find the soft spots for positive yardage gains on early downs. There are instances where there’s too much space between the Washington corners and opposing receivers. Washington ranks 30th in allowed yards per pass (8.2), 26th in allowed yards per game (356.8), and 26th in allowed yards per play (5.7).
Up Next
Washington heads to Dallas Sunday for another chapter in the historic rivalry against the Cowboys. Kickoff starts at 4.25 p.m. from AT&T Stadium.
Chicago returns home, hosting the New Orleans Saints on Sunday as well.
