3 Chicago Bears observations entering Week 8 vs. Washington Commanders
After the Chicago Bears offense has seen breakout performances from DJ Moore and Keenan Allen in recent weeks, all eyes are on rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze to be the next featured playmaker in the team's offense.
1. Rome Odunze is due for a big game.
Should we expect Odunze to have a big game this week?
To be fair, he already had a breakout game against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3, catching 6 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown. While he's had some nice caches since the Colts game, it feels like timing between him and Williams is still a work in progress.
Ever since the Colts' loss, where offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was criticized for poor play calling, and the players called him out, the Bear's offense has been clicking on all cylinders. And you can bet Williams wants to connect with Odunze on a big play. With Williams making his return to his hometown of Washington, DC, and the national spotlight on this game, Odunze is due for a big game.
2. Can Zacch Pickens finally make a meaningful contribution?
Zacch Pickens seems ready to make his 2024 season debut, after missing the team's first six games due to injury.
His return will help improve the defensive line depth and allow the Bears to rotate between Andrew Billings, Gervon Dexter, and DeMarcus Walker. Having another big body like Pickens will definitely help their run defense, which has been a problem this season.
With Dextor already having a breakout season, Pickens has an opportunity to redeem himself. To do that, he must stay healthy for the rest of this season. That will go a long way towards him earning respect and playing time from his coaches.
Since he has not played for a long time, he must contain his emotions being in the game and avoid bad penalties like roughing the passer, illegal hands to the face, and targeting. Therefore, keep an eye out for Pickens on his performance this Sunday.
3. Chicago Bears' Week 8 prediction
Despite the Washington Commanders' efforts to keep the possibility alive, it remains unlikely that Jayden Daniels will play against the Bears on Sunday. If Daniels is unable to play on Sunday, veteran Marcus Mariota will get the start for Washington.
Mariotta, who is 2-0 against the Bears in his career, can be dangerous and must be taken seriously. It will be an important test for the Bears, who will be looking to break their trend of struggling when returning from the bye week.
The Bears' secondary will be without safety Jaquan Brisker once again and cornerback Kyler Gordon. However, cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith will be available to offset their loss.
Montez Sweat, who was traded from Washington to the Bears during last year's trade deadline, has been quiet so far this season with 2.5 sacks. Caleb Williams is returning to his home town of Washington DC this week, but Sweat is also making his return. And he needs to have a big game to rattle whoever is at quarterback in order for the Bears to have a shot a winning this contest.
As for Caleb Williams, he must control his emotions playing in his hometown and also a meaningless debate about who is a better rookie quarterback that the national media is desperately trying to draw ire from both fanbase. If he looks sharp and is in total control like he has been recently, then the Bears should be able to win this game.