The Washington Commanders are having some kind of season in 2024, with a 5-2 record and leading the NFC East for the first time in a very long time. The offense is unified behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, and while the defense could use some help in a couple of areas, it’s been pretty solid, too.
This week, the Commanders host a Chicago Bears team that is hell-bent on proving Caleb Williams is better than Daniels. He’s not. The Bears lost to a horrible Indianapolis Colts team in Week 3, and he struggled mightily with the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. Williams has improved over the last few weeks, but the Bears have also faced the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers the last two weeks, so do with that what you will.
The Commanders’ quarterback situation is up in the air, but that’s no reason to be concerned. In fact, there are three reasons for optimism in Week 8.
Marcus Mariota is a capable veteran
When Jayden Daniels went down early in the game against the Carolina Panthers, Marcus Mariota stepped in and got the job done, leading the Commanders to a dominant 40-7 victory. He’s been in the league for almost 10 years, so he knows the game very well. He can use his legs when needed, makes accurate throws, and knows how to lead an offense.
The Bears have a much better defense than the Panthers, but if Kliff Kingsbury calls the right plays, Mariota will execute them. And this is only if Daniels doesn’t suit up; it’s still possible that he will play on Sunday.
The Bears are 0-2 on the road
Both of the Bears’ losses this season have come on the road, at Houston and Indianapolis. The Texans are well on their way to making a postseason appearance. The Colts look refreshed behind veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, but it’s unlikely they will go far sharing the division with the Texans.
And don’t forget, Williams’ NFL debut was almost ruined by the Titans in Week 1. His only saving grace was the defensive and special teams efforts to put points on the board.
The Commanders’ defense will still have its work cut out for it, but all they have to do is fluster Williams, and the Bears’ offense will crumble. They have the fifth-worst rush offense and ninth-worst pass offense in the league, and they’ve allowed 20 sacks, but the Commanders can’t go in cocky. Their defense has its struggles, and it needs to set the tone early so that it shows up to play.
Washington has an X-Factor
His name hasn’t been called as much this season as in the past, but Austin Ekeler is the X-factor everyone has forgotten. He can run the ball, he can catch the ball, he is a ridiculously talented utility player who can do just about anything you ask him to on the field. It’s not just Brian Robinson, Jr. and Terry McLaurin out there as weapons for the quarterback.
Ekeler joined the Commanders earlier this year, and he’s recorded 32 carries for 188 yards and a touchdown, plus 17 receptions for 201 yards. He averages 5.9 yards per carry and 11.8 yards per reception. Against a tough Bears defense, Ekeler can be a game-changer.
