THE Washington Commanders (5-2) host the Chicago Bears (4-2) in Week 8 of the NFC from Northwest Stadium. This is the first time rookie quarterbacks Jayden Daniels (Commanders) and Caleb Williams (Bears) will face each other. However, the biggest question heading into Sunday is whether Daniels will play. He was listed as questionable on Friday’s final injury report after suffering a rib injury in last week’s win over Carolina.
If Daniels can’t go, veteran Marcus Mariota will get the nod for the Commanders. Mariota relieved Daniels last week and played well. Chicago’s defense presents a tougher challenge than Carolina’s, however.
To get a better look at this week’s opponent, Commanders Wire spoke with Bears Wire Editor-in-Chief Alyssa Barbieri to find out everything you need to know about the 2024 Chicago Bears.
How would you rate Caleb Williams through six games?
AB: Williams got off to a rough start through the first three games of the season, where he experimented with what he could do, as well as overall offensive struggles across the board. But Williams had improved with each passing match. He sees the field better, finds comfort as a runner, the game slows down for him and he finds his place in Shane Waldron’s offense. His passer rating has improved each week and he has passed for over 300 yards twice this season, which is a franchise record. Since Week 4, Williams has completed 74% of his passes for 687 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception.
Tell us about Chicago’s offensive weapons. We know DJ Moore, but what did Keenan Allen, D’Andre Swift and Rome Odunze sound like?
AB: The Bears have a talented trio of receivers, including Moore, Allen and Odunze, and it seems like every week is an opportunity for one of them to shine. Moore shined against the Panthers with five catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns; Odunze paced the Colts with six catches for 112 yards and a score; Allen had five catches for 41 yards and two touchdowns against the Jaguars. Even tight end Cole Kmet has been a weapon in the passing game this season with 26 receptions for 289 yards and three touchdowns, including a two-touchdown outing against Jacksonville.
But there is one player who has played a key role in the offense’s success: Swift, who plays a significant role in establishing their offensive identity. After averaging 1.93 yards per carry with zero touchdowns and 104 yards from scrimmage over the first three games, Swift has come alive with 4.9 yards per carry, three touchdowns and 404 yards from scrimmage over the last three games. . He is the key to the success of this offense, especially as a receiver out of the backfield.
Williams was sacked 20 times. On paper, OL looked like a force. How do you judge the play of the offensive line?
AB: Chicago’s offensive line has been the weakest link on the entire team, but it has improved over the last two games after a rough start. At one point, Williams was under so much pressure and hitting so much that fans wondered if he would survive the season injury-free. But progress has been made since that unity, even if it is minimal. After allowing 13 sacks in the first three games, they have allowed seven in the last three games. Certainly, they went from talented defensive fronts in Tennessee and Houston to struggling defenses in Carolina and Jacksonville. Although the tackles have been solid, the interior offensive line has been the weak spot, and it remains a concern, especially with the commanders on deck.
Montez Sweat has 2.5 sacks in six games after reaching double figures for the first time last year. What was Sweat like this year?
AB: The stats don’t tell the whole story with Sweat, whose impact on this defense has been invaluable since last season. He greatly contributed to the recovery of this unit, which began with his arrival last November. But Sweat has also dealt with toe and ankle injuries, so he’s not 100 percent. As always, Sweat’s presence opens up opportunities for those around him, and the pass rush is entirely improved this season with 18 sacks in six games, which ranks 14th in the league. Sweat has also been a mentor to some young playmakers, including second-year defensive tackle Gervon Dexter, who leads the team with 4.0 sacks. Sweat hasn’t had his breakthrough game yet this season, but I’m sure he’ll be very motivated against his former team, especially after a few weeks without being on the injury report.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Bears defense?
AB: The Bears have a well-rounded defensive group, but their biggest positional strength is the secondary, which features a talented young secondary with Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker who have been solid in coverage. They have allowed the seventh fewest passing yards per game this season (180). Chicago also has a knack for forcing putbacks with 13 in six games, which ranks third in the NFL, so protecting the ball is key for opposing teams.
There is no overwhelming weakness on defense, although I would lean towards consistent pass rush or early struggles on the ground, but this is overall a complete defense. But if I had to pick one big weakness, it’s the health of the secondary, with safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion) and cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring) ruled out for Sunday’s game. Although Chicago has solid depth in the secondary, they will certainly miss these two players who bring physicality and instinctive play to the field.
Prediction
AB: I hope we get Caleb vs. Jayden in this matchup, but regardless, I think it will be a close contest between two ascendant NFC teams. The Bears defense has been among the best in the league this season and has not allowed more than 21 points in 12 straight games. The key will be Chicago’s offense, which has exploded over the last two games, averaging 35.5 points per game. If the Bears can establish the run, protect Williams and protect the football, I see them coming away with a close victory. Bears 24, Commanders 21
This article was originally published on Commanders Wire: Behind Enemy Lines: Week 8 Q&A with Bears Wire
