Can the Commanders Starve the Bears?

The Washington Commanders defeated the LA Chargers 27-10 last Sunday, highlighted by Jacory ‘Bill’ Croskey-Merritt’s standout performance: 111 rushing yards on 14 carries, 2 touchdowns, plus 39 receiving yards for a total of 150 yards.

Way to go, Bill!

The team is now aiming for a 4-2 record to match the Eagles as they face Chicago at the North West stadium—a matchup featuring top 2024 draft picks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, plus storylines like Ben Johnson declining the Commanders HC role and the Bears' 2024 struggles after that famous Hail Mary loss.

Here at UKHTTC, founder, Christian Burt took time out with Ciaran of the Irish Bears Network – a great podcaster and blogger for all things Bears-related.

UKHTTC -- As expected, Ben Johnson has positively impacted the Bears' offense. Thoughts on him as a head coach?

Ciaran -- The thoughts are very positive for Ben Johnson as HC for the Bears amongst the fan base. We all know there’s been glaring issues that need to be resolved, and we’ve seen good signs early on.

They are scoring 25.3 points per game, placing them 11th in the league – it is early days, but the Bears averaged 18.2 points per game, which ranked 28th in the league. A noticeable improvement already.

Chicago's secondary is dealing with injuries, much like the Commanders. Can Washington QB Jayden Daniels exploit the backups?

The Bears have faced severe defensive injuries this season. Before the year began, they lost Jaylon Johnson—who returned briefly before reinjuring himself and is now likely out for the season—as well as Kyler Gordon, who missed the start but returns this week, along with TJ Edwards, Grady Jarrett, Austin Booker, and Terrell Smith.

All of these players would have been key for Dennis Allen’s plans. Given these setbacks, it's reasonable to expect the Commanders to focus on attacking the line of scrimmage since, despite their injuries, the Bears have managed to create turnovers. However, their run Defense has suffered greatly, surrendering an NFL-high average of 164.5 rushing yards per game.

Williams vs Daniels: Fan Perspectives and Quarterback Futures

There is palpable excitement whenever Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams face off in the Washington vs Chicago matchup. Both sets of fans remain loyal to their own quarterback, and while the debate over whether one should be chosen over the other continues, it appears that each fanbase is satisfied with their respective choice.

Reflecting on the Bears' situation, last season's coaching staff was widely regarded as disastrous. In that environment, it is likely that Jayden Daniels would have struggled, particularly given the difficulties posed by the offensive line and coaching.

Caleb Williams has managed to endure those challenges and now benefits from a competent coaching staff.

Ultimately, it seems probable that both sets of fans will remain content with their quarterbacks in the long run—a rarity when discussing players from the same draft class.

Where the Bears Can Find Success Against the Commanders

The Bears’ offence is well-positioned to challenge the Commanders’ secondary on Monday night. Washington's defensive backfield has shown vulnerabilities, with mistakes and injuries impacting their performance and overall cohesion. This creates an opportunity for Chicago to exploit gaps and mismatches in coverage.

Drawing a comparison with the Cowboys, who experienced similar difficulties against the Commanders’ secondary, it stands to reason that the Bears will aim to get the ball out quickly in the early stages of the game.

By adopting a swift passing approach and ensuring strong protection for Caleb Williams, Chicago can open up the possibility for explosive plays downfield. If the offensive line holds firm, expect the Bears’ dynamic playmakers to capitalise on these opportunities and put pressure on Washington’s defence.

How the Commanders Can Exploit the Bears

The Commanders’ best opportunity to hurt the Bears lies in capitalising on Chicago’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly by emphasising their ground game. Throughout the 2025 season, the Bears have struggled to contain opposing rushing attacks, consistently allowing significant yardage on the ground.

If Washington manage to secure a win in this encounter, it will likely be a result of an efficient performance from their running backs.

Jacory Croskey Merritt stands out as Washington’s current X Factor. Should he deliver a strong display, he could play a decisive role in swinging the outcome in favour of the Commanders. By leveraging their strengths in the running game and targeting Chicago’s well-documented defensive issues, Washington possess a clear pathway to success in this match-up.

Under-the-Radar Bears Players to Watch on Monday Night

On the offensive side of the ball, several players could emerge as difference-makers for Chicago against Washington. Luther Burden, who made a notable impact during the Bears’ clash with Dallas, is one such player to keep an eye on. Olamide Zaccheaus and Colston Loveland also warrant attention; Loveland’s return from injury could add a new dimension to the Bears’ attack. While Odunze and DJ Moore are already established threats, Burden, Zaccheaus, and Loveland could exploit gaps in the Commanders’ secondary.

Defensively, the Bears do not present many surprises, but there are still some underappreciated talents worth noting. Austin Booker, who returns this week after performing well in training camp and preseason, will be looking to translate that form into game day success. Noah Sewell has also made a strong start to the season and could continue to contribute positively.

One player who stands out for his recent turnaround is Tyrique Stevenson. Although Stevenson may have been a factor in the Bears’ loss to Washington last season, his recent performances suggest a change in trajectory. Over the past two weeks, Stevenson has been outstanding, generating multiple turnovers through interceptions and forced fumbles, and could be a pivotal figure in disrupting Washington's offence on Monday night.

Montez Sweat's Performance Since Joining Chicago

Montez Sweat made a strong start during the first half of the 2024 season, making an immediate impact for the Bears. However, his momentum was disrupted by an injury, and since then, his contributions have not fully met expectations, particularly considering the significant contract he received from the team.

There is a sense of dissatisfaction among fans regarding Sweat’s overall output. The Bears’ defensive unit has struggled to generate pressure, registering only four sacks in total this year. As a key signing, more is expected from Sweat, especially in terms of pass rushing and sack production.

Statistically, Sweat has accumulated nine solo tackles and two assists, bringing his total to eleven tackles so far this season. Despite these numbers, he has only managed to record a single sack, underscoring the need for greater productivity from the former Washington defensive end as the season progresses.

Monday Night Football: Predicted Score and season records

I think the game will be close again as it was last season.

The Commanders are a little further in their development than the Bears. This game could really come down to how healthy these two teams are and if both can limit their key weakness. Given these factors, the prediction is that the Commanders will narrowly secure victory on home turf, with a final score of 27-24.

Looking further ahead, the Bears I’d anticipate finishing the season with a total of eight wins. I’d project the Commanders a tad higher -- ten victories over the course of the year, reflecting their slightly more advanced state of development.