When the Chicago Bears square off against the Washington Commanders this Thursday, a victory isn’t just wishful thinking.
Don’t let Washington’s deceptive 2-2 record fool you; they are one of the worst teams in the NFL. They could also be a zero-win team if not for a strong defense and a few fortunate twists of fate.
Buy Bears TicketsDespite a tough loss last week, Chicago displayed moments of brilliance, hinting at reasons to be excited for this week’s matchup.
Here are three reasons for optimism ahead of the Bears’ prime-time matchup against the Commanders:
1. Justin Fields' Momentum
Last week, quarterback Justin Fields gave fans an exciting glimpse of his touted potential. He completed 28-of-35 attempts and finished with 335 yards and four touchdowns. Fields didn’t just notch impressive stats last week; he rekindled hope among a disheartened fanbase. If the third-year quarterback can bring a sliver of that magic to his performance this week, the Bears have a real shot at snapping their 14-game losing streak.
2. Commanders’ Secondary: All Bark, No Bite
While Washington’s front four earns the accolades, the rest of their defense is less stellar. Opposing teams are averaging 30 points per game, and quarterbacks are completing 64 percent of their passes against a defensively frail Commanders team. The only team allowing more points is the Denver Broncos. This week is a golden chance for Chicago to strike hard and exploit a weak secondary.
3. Washington’s Third Down Inefficiency
Ranking a dismal 27th in third-down conversions, the Commanders’ offense is stagnant and inviting trouble. Excluding first downs gained by penalty, they’re among the league’s worst at advancing the ball. An offense that continually struggles on third down is a goldmine for turnovers and presents an excellent opportunity for a Chicago defender to make a much-needed name for himself.
Summary
The Bears have their work cut out to leave FedEx Field with a win. They’ll need to neutralize the Commanders stellar defensive line, ensuring Fields remains clean. The young quarterback must walk the tightrope between making aggressive plays and protecting the football.
