The Chicago Bears are set to face the Washington Commanders in a Thursday night matchup as they search for their first win of the season. However, off-field chaos and internal turmoil have added to the Bears’ struggles, making their task even more challenging. On the other side, Washington’s head coach Ron Rivera understands what the Bears are going through, having experienced similar off-field distractions during his time in Washington.
Rivera, a former Bears linebacker and assistant, dealt with a series of off-the-field issues during his first three seasons with Washington. From investigations into owner Dan Snyder’s dealings to a Drug Enforcement Administration raid on the team’s facility and trainer’s home, Rivera knows what it’s like to navigate through chaos and distractions. However, he expressed his relief at being able to focus solely on football this season, as things have changed for the better in Washington.
Unlike Rivera’s newfound clarity, the Bears are dealing with various off-field issues that have contributed to their winless start. With a player in exile for undisclosed reasons and their defensive coordinator stepping away for health and family reasons, the team is facing significant challenges both on and off the field. These disruptions have raised doubts about the Bears’ prospects for securing their first victory in almost a year.
Despite their struggles, the Bears will face a Washington team that is currently 2-2, having suffered back-to-back losses. However, the Commanders are feeling confident after pushing the defending NFC East champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, to overtime in their previous game. While moral victories hold little weight in the NFL, Washington players see the upcoming schedule, starting with the Bears, as an opportunity to stack wins.
Looking ahead, Washington has favorable matchups against the Atlanta Falcons and the struggling New York Giants, who have been outscored 94-15 in their three losses. However, their focus remains on the Bears for the time being. While FanDuel Sportsbook has Washington listed as a 5 1/2-point favorite, receiver Terry McLaurin emphasized that the team is not taking the Bears lightly. Left tackle Charles Leno, the former Bear who knows the team well, echoed McLaurin’s sentiment and emphasized the importance of remaining focused on the task at hand.
As the Bears strive to secure their first win, they will be banking on a strong performance from quarterback Justin Fields. Despite his comments about being overcoached, Fields has shown signs of improvement on the field. In their previous game against the Denver Broncos, Fields threw for a career-best 335 yards and four touchdowns. His performance provides a glimmer of hope for the Bears, who have not won a game since October 2022.
Meanwhile, the Bears’ defense will be looking to capitalize on the Commanders’ vulnerability to sacks. Washington has allowed the most sacks in the league this season, providing an opportunity for the Bears’ defense to make an impact.
On the Commanders’ side, rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes aims to rebound after a tough outing against the Eagles. Targeted 25 times and allowing 18 catches for a league-worst 356 yards, Forbes remains confident in his abilities and seeks to improve his performance when targeted.
In conclusion, as the Bears visit Washington in search of their first win amidst off-field chaos, both teams are aware of the significance of this game. While Washington sees an opportunity to stack wins and potentially contend for a wild-card spot, the Bears are desperate to end their winless streak and turn their season around. The outcome of this matchup will depend on how both teams navigate their internal challenges while focusing on the task at hand.
