The Washington Commanders have a short turnaround in Week 5. After dropping a heartbreaker in overtime to the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington is back in action on Thursday night against the Chicago Bears.
Washington enters Thursday night’s game, having lost its last two games. Meanwhile, the Bears are still looking for their first win of the season. Chicago held a 28-7 lead over the Denver Broncos Sunday and lost 31-28.
Buy Commanders TicketsAfter struggling on offense in the first three weeks, Chicago quarterback Justin Fields and the offense had a breakout performance in Week 4. Can they continue that success against an underachieving Washington defense that has allowed 30 or more points over the last three games?
If the Commanders plan to get past the Bears, here are five Chicago players to focus on for Thursday night.
QB Justin Fields
Justin Fields is one of the more polarizing players in the NFL. Not due to anything he’s done off the field, but regarding his play on the field. Some believe he hasn’t had a chance due to Chicago’s coaching turnover. Others believe Fields is way behind in his development as a passer despite being a phenomenal runner. Fields played well last week. Fields’ legs can take over a game, something Washington knows from last season. The Commanders must make Fields beat them with his arm and do their best to keep him in the pocket.
RB Khalil Herbert
Khalil Herbert is a dangerous back, capable of taking it to the house from his running back position or as a receiver. While the Bears offense struggled against the Commanders last season, Herbert didn’t. Herbert rushed for 74 yards in only seven carries as he split time with David Montgomery. Herbert is splitting some of the carries this year with rookie Roschon Johnson. After totaling just 23 carries in the first three games, Herbert had 18 carries vs. Denver and went over 100 yards for the first time this season. He should be featured against the Commanders.
WR DJ Moore
DJ Moore came to Chicago to give Fields a true No. 1 receiver in a trade with the Panthers. Moore’s Chicago career hasn’t gotten off to a very good start. He does have touchdowns in back-to-back games and appears to be getting comfortable working with Fields. Moore had nine receptions for 131 yards on Sunday. Moore will draw plenty of attention from the Commanders defense. Will defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio match rookie Emmanuel Forbes up against Moore? Or go with veteran Kendall Fuller? This will be interesting to watch.
TE Cole Kmet
Cole Kmet is averaging six targets per game. In the loss to Denver, Kmet had a huge day, catching nine passes for 85 yards and two touchdowns. That’s what Chicago envisioned when they paired Fields with Kmet. Kmet is the Chicago Bears to watch in the red zone.
LB Tremaine Edmunds
Tremaine Edmunds was Chicago’s big-ticket free agent last offseason. Through four games, Edmunds has yet to make his mark. He’s second on the team with 39 tackles, including three for loss, but has to make a true impact. Some of that is due to him working in a new defense. Regardless of what he’s done this season, Edmunds remains a game-changing talent from the linebacker position.
