3 things the Chicago Bears must do to beat the Commanders
The offensive line must keep Justin Fields upright
When Justin Fields has time to throw, he is hurting opposing defenses. The problem is, the Chicago Bears offensive line has looked more like swiss cheese than a sturdy, hard parmesan. The Commanders are currently seventh in the league with an average of 2.8 sacks per game. On the year, they have 14 total and Montez Sweat is coming off one of his best performances.
Braxton Jones has looked decent this year but has also struggled at times vs better competition. Jonathan Allen on the inside could cause problems for Lucas Patrick, Sam Mustipher and Teven Jenkins as well. The Bears are allowing a 41.5% pressure rate on the season and have given up 18 sacks. Not all are on them, but too many have been and the Bears cannot have Justin Fields reverting back to looking uncomfortable from the pocket. To put that pressure rate in perspective, the Bears’ defense has only generated a 25.8% pressure rate.
I know all of this sounds simple, but these are going to be the three keys to a Chicago Bears victory tonight. If Fields is struggling to find time to throw and Luke Getsy doesn’t do anything to help him, it’s going to be a long night. With Jaylon Johnson back, expect Kyler Gordon to see more targets. Has he been better or have teams been focusing on Jaylon Jones instead? I’m not expecting a high-scoring game. Either is Vegas with an over/under of 38.
Remember, a win means more to the season than the actual rebuild. It’s okay to see them fall to 2-4, but I’d prefer they get back to .500 and get that third win this early in the season to help prove the national media wrong.