The Washington Commanders host the Chicago Bears in the Week 5 edition of Thursday Night Football.
Both teams are looking to end losing streaks. The Commanders have lost their last two games, while the Bears have yet to win in 2023. Some reports indicate that Chicago head coach Matt Eberflus could be in trouble if the Bears lose again on Thursday.
Buy Commanders TicketsThese teams last met in 2022, ironically enough, on Thursday night. It was a forgettable game, with Washington winning 12-7.
What’s changed since last year? What should we expect from Bears quarterback Justin Fields?
To find out these answers, we spoke with Alyssa Barbieri, managing editor of Bears Wire, who gives us the lowdown on all things Chicago Bears.
The Bears had increased expectations entering the season. It’s been a tough start. What’s gone wrong thus far?
Alyssa Barbieri: What hasn’t gone wrong? The Bears are riding a 14-game losing streak for a reason. They’ve found devastating new ways to lose every week, and there are players in the locker room who haven’t won a game in over 11 months. Everything has gone wrong. It starts at the top with Matt Eberflus, who’s time in Chicago is done – even if it isn’t official yet. He’s 3-18 as head coach, and he’s losing the locker room. His HITS principle is a farce. There are players calling out coaches, looking demoralized on the sideline, and searching for answers that this coaching staff doesn’t have. The fact that the league’s worst roster improved from last season, and somehow this team is worse says it all.
What is your evaluation of Justin Fields? It seems like everyone wants to blame coaches, but how much of his struggles fall on him?
AB: There’s no denying that Fields has regressed from last season, and there’s plenty of blame to go around. The coaches deserve some of that, considering the situation they put him in. They want to force him to be a pocket passer when that’s not his game. The playcalling has also been questionable, and it doesn’t seem the right coaches are in place to help him succeed. But Fields is also at fault, as some of the same struggles that plagued him during his first two seasons – processing concerns, holding onto the ball too long, taking sacks and turning the ball over – have reared its ugly head. Although Fields appeared to turn a corner last week against the Broncos, where he had a near-perfect three quarters before things unraveled. He looked more confident and decisive than we’ve seen since last season, if ever in Chicago. We’ll see if Fields can build on that strong performance against a Commanders defense who have some impact players up front.
The Commanders liked Darnell Wright ahead of the draft. How has he looked thus far? What about the OL in general?
AB: Wright has been the standout performer on this Bears offensive line, which speaks as much to his impressive play as it does to the struggles of those around him. While he’s had his rookie moments – including giving up some sacks – he’s been playing at an impressive level, all things considered. While it’s just been four games, Wright has shown enough flashes where he can be a franchise right tackle for Chicago. As for the rest of the offensive line, it’s been a mess. Injuries to left guard Teven Jenkins and left tackle Braxton Jones have hurt and caused a shift along the line. Larry Borom, filling in for Jones, has been a turnstile. Lucas Patrick isn’t the answer at center. The good news is Jenkins is returning from injured reserve, and he’ll help bolster the line alongside Wright.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the defense?
AB: Strengths? Not really. Now, weaknesses. There are plenty. It starts up front with a defensive line that hasn’t been able to generate sacks. Chicago ranks dead last in the league with just two, and there are players around the league who have more than the Bears as a whole. Injuries have also plagued the secondary, where three starters are currently sidelined – cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon (IR) and safety Eddie Jackson. That – coupled with the inability to get pressure on the opposing quarterback – has led to the secondary getting absolutely torched. The run game hasn’t been much better, although being middle of the pack in something is a sort of win for this defense. Then there’s coaching. Matt Eberflus has taken over play-calling duties from the mysteriously-departed Alan Williams, and he’s not getting any better results
Prediction and why
AB: The Bears haven’t won a game in nearly a full calendar year; they just blew a 21-point lead to one of the worst teams in the league, and they’re spiraling out of control. They simply don’t know how to win, and I don’t see that changing any time soon. Chicago’s defense is the worst in the league; they can’t sack the quarterback, their secondary is depleted and Matt Eberflus is in over his head. While I don’t expect this to be a blowout, Washington should cruise to victory.
Commanders 27, Bears 20
