Monday Night Matchup: Bears Visit Commanders Under the Lights in D.C.
The Chicago Bears hit the road this week for a primetime showdown against the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football. It’s the Bears’ first game out of the bye week and a key NFC matchup between two teams looking to strengthen their playoff resumes as mid-October rolls around.
For head coach Ben Johnson, his 2-2 Bears have shown flashes of potential in his first season in charge, and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams continues to grow as the franchise centerpiece. But Monday’s test at Northwest Stadium won’t be easy. The Commanders, coached by Dan Quinn, bring a physical defense, a dual-threat quarterback, and plenty of playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Weather, Wind, and Football the Chicago Way
Even with the Bears traveling east, weather was still on Ben Johnson’s mind this week at Halas Hall. Rain and wind could play a factor Monday night in Landover, conditions that Johnson almost welcomes.
“We always have to think about that,” said Johnson. “It goes into the equation for the kicking game, certainly, and it goes into the game for our entire team — making sure we’ve got the right shoes, the right traction. It may be the first time this group has played together in some rain. But that’s football. I kind of hope we do get some elements. That’s what the Good Lord made football for.”
Johnson said he sees potential bad weather not as a disadvantage, but as an opportunity. “It adds another layer to the game,” he explained. “It can give you the edge if you use it properly.”
Injury Updates and Special Teams Questions
The Bears enter Week 6 with a few question marks, most notably at kicker, where veteran Cairo Santos has been dealing with an injury. Johnson said the team will take all weekend to decide his status.
“Our plan was to make it through the week and reassess,” said Johnson. “We’ll have a plan and make sure we have everything accounted for. I feel good about where we’re at right now.”
Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett could return after missing time with a lower-body issue. “He’s one of those guys who doesn’t necessarily need to practice a lot to play,” Johnson said. “He’s proven he can perform at a high level even with a limited week.”
Commanders Present Dual Threat on Offense
Washington’s offense has been dynamic this season thanks to quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has continued to show poise and explosiveness in his second season. Johnson acknowledged that Daniels’ ability to both run and throw poses a unique challenge.
“You always talk about trying to bottle guys like this up,” Johnson said. “He’s very elusive and can find the little crease, explode for a big scramble. The pass rush has to have a different nature by design. It’s a challenge.”
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen echoed that sentiment. “The engine to this thing is the quarterback and his ability to run,” Allen said. “You can’t just isolate the running back. It’s 11-on-11 football now. They can run a play to one side, and the quarterback can take it out the backside. That makes it very difficult to defend.”
Allen has been studying Washington’s ground game, which has been effective behind rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who’s averaging over 5 yards per carry as a replacement for Austin Eckler, out with a season-ending injury.. “They run extremely well,” Allen said. “They have great vision. It’ll be a big part of their plan, I’m sure.”
Bears Defense Getting Healthy
Allen hopes to get cornerback Kyler Gordon back in the lineup, calling him “a dynamic player” who can help in coverage and pressure packages. “He’s an impact type player, particularly inside in the slot,” Allen said. “We can use him in different ways, and hopefully he can make an impact right away.”
Linebacker T.J. Edwards remains the steady hand at the heart of Chicago’s defense. Allen praised his consistency and football IQ: “He’s smart, tough, and productive. When you can keep guys together and healthy, that continuity means a lot.”
Williams’ Continued Growth
While the defense prepares for Daniels, the Bears’ offense is looking for continued improvement from Caleb Williams, who’s now in his second NFL season. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle said Williams’ growth has been evident in several areas.
“His competitiveness in crunch time — that’s what makes him special,” Doyle said. “From the beginning, he’s shown that he wants the ball in big moments. His footwork and processing have both gotten better. He’s seeing the field more clearly, pre- and post-snap.”
Doyle also pointed to the need for balance on offense, particularly in the run game. “It’s all eleven working together,” he explained. “The O-line coming off the ball, tight ends communicating, backs pressing their landmarks, blocking on the perimeter. You can’t let those details slide.”
The Commanders’ defense, led by Quinn and veteran coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., presents a major challenge. “They play hard,” Doyle said. “(DTs) Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw are really good players, and (LB) Frankie Luvu flies around. And any time Von Miller is on the field, you have to have a plan for him.”
Commanders Confident at Home
Dan Quinn has quickly instilled his trademark intensity in Washington. His defense has been opportunistic, and his offense — under Kliff Kingsbury — has adapted to Daniels’ dual-threat skill set.
“He’s got special traits,” Quinn said this week about Daniels’ counterpart, Caleb Williams. “He can extend plays, he’s got real arm talent, and he’s competitive as hell. You’ve got to keep him contained, because when he gets loose, that’s when the explosives happen.”
Quinn also credited Kingsbury’s flexibility. “Kliff’s done a great job balancing the run and pass. He’s adapted to our personnel. That’s the mark of a good play-caller.”
Final Thoughts
This matchup features two of the league’s most exciting young quarterbacks and two first-year head coaches trying to mold their franchises for long-term success. The Bears are searching for consistency on both sides of the ball; the Commanders are looking to prove they’re for real in the NFC East.
Ben Johnson says he’s not thinking big picture just yet. “We’ve got what we’ve got, and we can win with what we’ve got,” he said. “That’s the focus.”
Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m. CT (8:15 ET) Monday at Northwest Stadium.
If the weather cooperates — or even if it doesn’t — expect an old-fashioned, physical NFC battle under the lights in Washington.
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