3 Bears players who need to have a standout performance against the Commanders and why they should be in line for one
The Chicago Bears are getting geared up for what will be a pivotal NFC matchup in Week 8 against the Washington Commanders.Clearly, everyone has high anticipation for this game between two teams currently in playoff positions. So much so that the NFL flexed this matchup to a nationwide slot.The main attraction will be the quarterback […]
The Chicago Bears are getting geared up for what will be a pivotal NFC matchup in Week 8 against the Washington Commanders.
Clearly, everyone has high anticipation for this game between two teams currently in playoff positions. So much so that the NFL flexed this matchup to a nationwide slot.
The main attraction will be the quarterback battle between the top two picks in the draft, saying Jayden Daniels is healthy enough to play. On the Bears side of things, here are three players who'll need to standout and why they should have a good opportunity to do so on Sunday.
DE Montez Sweat
Is anyone else excited for another revenge game? Bears defensive end Montez Sweat will be returning to Washington for the first time since the Commanders shipped the star edge rusher to Chicago prior to last season's trade deadline.
Sweat put together a stellar season in 2023, leading both the Commanders and Bears in sacks when it was all said and done. This year, he started a little quiet on the sack chart but he's starting to heat up at the right time.
During the first few weeks of the season, Sweat was facing a lot of chips and double-teams on his pass rushes, but it allowed other rushers to face favorable matchups. Over the last three games, Sweat has recorded 2.5 sacks. Bringing down a mobile quarterback (whether it's Daniels or Marcus Mariota) will be key in this game.
QB Caleb Williams
Outside of the rookie duel with heavy Offensive Rookie of the Year implications, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has been steadily improving in every game this season.
He's definitely heard the noise and comparisons between him and Daniels and he'll be looking to put on a show on Sunday. Williams is coming off a game where he threw four touchdowns, and nearly had a fifth, going up against a defense that's allowed 12 passing touchdowns this season. He's also been tearing defenses up on in-breaking routes and the Commanders linebackers have allowed 10.6 yards per reception.
The last time the Bears played the Commanders in 2023, quarterback Justin Fields ended his night with a career-high four passing touchdowns. Can Williams surpass that mark and set another career best in his sixth NFL start?
WR Rome Odunze
Coming out of the bye week, rookie Rome Odunze seems to be the player the offense will look to get going down the stretch.
During the Bears last game, Keenan Allen was the player the team wanted to get more involved and he finished his day with his first two touchdowns as a Bear.
Since Odunze's 112 yard game in Week 3, he's had eight receptions for 90 yards in three games. Surely, Williams and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron will be looking to get the rookie more involved this week. This season, the Commanders cornerbacks have allowed eight touchdowns and 123.0 passing yards per game. The Bears WR trio should be able to eat in this one.
Bears defense will be looking to continue improving and fulfilling their preseason promise following the bye week
Will their high level of play continue?
