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The Chicago Bears will face the Washington Commanders in a Week 6 showdown on Monday Night Football, where Chicago is looking to extend its winning streak to three games.
The Bears are coming off their early bye week, where they sit at 2-2. Chicago lost their first two games of the season — both to division rivals, Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions — before winning their last two contests against the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders. But the Bears will be tasked with facing a talented Commanders squad who will challenge them.
We’re going Behind Enemy Lines with Commanders Wire editor Bryan Manning, who previewed what we can expect from this Washington squad on Monday night.
1. What’s your evaluation of Jayden Daniels through the first five weeks?
Bryan Manning: In Weeks 1 & 2, Daniels was a bit off. He was much better in Week 1 than in Week 2. However, he established such a high standard for himself that expectations can be unreasonable. He missed two games and came back against the Chargers last week and was outstanding. Daniels didn’t even do a lot on the ground. He sat in the pocket and made big-time throw after big-time throw. He did it without Terry McLaurin as well. Not playing in the preseason and being without some of his top weapons in training camp and the early season likely contributed to his rustiness.
2. What’s been the biggest reason for rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s success?
Manning: Bill was a much better prospect than where he was drafted. People slept on him because so many running backs were drafted ahead of him and he essentially did not play last season. Washington has described Croskey-Merritt’s “violent cuts” as one of his strengths. He does not waste time. If he sees an opening, he hits it immediately. His vision and patience are outstanding, too.
3. What’s the defense’s biggest strength? And where could Chicago find success?
Manning: The defense does a good job of stopping the run. Bobby Wagner is still phenomenal against the run. Javon Kinlaw was a big-time addition. People made jokes about Kinlaw, but he’s a linchpin in the middle of that defense. Dorance Armstrong is the top pass rusher and is having a great season. Weaknesses: Get Wagner in coverage. If you can protect Caleb Williams and make Washington’s corners cover a bit longer, that’s bad news for the Commanders. If Washington can get pressure on Williams, that’s huge.
4. What key matchup will you be watching in this one?
Manning: I think the Bears WRs against the Commanders CBs is a big matchup. Will Washington’s corners rise to the occasion? Marshon Lattimore is the biggest question mark. Rookie Trey Amos has been excellent and last season’s rookie sensation, Mike Sainristil, has been up and down. Sainristil has been better the last couple of weeks, though. Like I stated above, the pass rush is critical for Washington. This secondary has been exposed in both of the Commanders’ losses.
5. Who wins and why?
Manning: What’s your game prediction (score + reasoning)? I think the game comes down to the wire. Not a Hail Mary this time. I think the Commanders will be able to run the ball. I also think the Bears will have offensive success. Turnovers will be huge in this game. One turnover can change everything, as it did last week for Washington. The Bears are coming off a bye week, while the Commanders are coming off a complete team win against the Chargers. I believe Washington wins a close one. Commanders 30, Bears 27
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