Keys to the Game
Commanders
- Gash Bears on the Ground
The Commanders offense has been fantastic this season. It has scored 34 or more points in 4 out of its last 5 games and boats the best point differential in the NFL. If it plans on continuing this type of production this week against a strong Bears defense, it must begin with the rushing attack. Chicago’s defense is elite, but led by its secondary. The group is susceptible- comparatively- on the ground, ranking 17th in run defense grade.
In addition to it being the Chicago defense’s soft spot, Washington has found great success in the run game this year. Running back Brian Robinson Jr. already has two 100+ rushing yard games. Also aided by phenom rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels (who is questionable for this contest), the Commanders rank 2nd in rushing yards, 3rd in yards per carry, and 1st in rushing touchdowns (14, 2nd place is only at 11) this season.
If Daniels is good to go by Sunday afternoon, there is no reason that the Commanders shouldn’t be efficient on the ground. If Daniels is out, it only would make it more important for Washington to establish the run game to make things easier for backup quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Bears
- Force Commanders into Passing-Mode
- Feast on Washington’s Cornerbacks
From Chicago’s point of view, the most important thing on defense is to force Washington into pass-mode either by jumping out to an early lead or shutting down Brian Robinson Jr. and the rushing attack. The Commanders’ rushing numbers are the best in the NFL (1st in TDs, 2nd in yards, 3rd in YPA), so the Bears would prefer for them to be put into passing situations. Chicago’s secondary is arguably the best in the NFL when healthy. It held up well last week even without S JaQuan Brisker, CB Tyrique Stevenson, nickel CB Kyler Gordon for a portion of the game. Down Gordon and Brisker again this week, the unit can still have a strong performance with the return of Stevenson.
On offense, the Bears need to take advantage of Washington’s most pressing issue on defense: its cornerbacks. Second-year CB Emmanuel Forbes has been in and out of the lineup; teammates Benjamin St. Juste and Mike Sainristil haven’t provided much competition for him. The Commanders rank 5th-lowest in the league in PFF coverage grade. This needs to be a game where Bears QB Caleb Williams takes advantage of man-to-man matchups on the outside.