4 Chicago Bears' Keys to Success for Week 8 vs the Washington Commanders

Take Away the Commanders Rushing Attack

Whether or not the most recent second-overall pick plays on Sunday, Washington boasts a productive rushing attack that the Bears defense needs to silence early. Daniels has, of course, been a large part of this ground attack, recording 372 yards and four touchdowns through essentially just six games. Still, led by Brian Robinson Jr and Austin Ekeler, the Commanders' runningbacks have accumulated 748 yards and 10 touchdowns on 142 carries, which rounds out to about 5.3 yards per carry, or a first down every two attempts.

Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota remains an athletic threat in the rushing attack, and while he cannot emulate Daniels completely if called upon, the former Oregon superstar can be productive on the ground as well. The Bears' defense will have to be on their p's and q's in the rush game, especially after finishing their first six games allowing 4.6 yards per carry, the 12th-worst mark in the league. If the Bears can get after the Commanders' rushers, it will make whoever plays quarterback have to work much harder to win.

Have a "Next Man Up" Mentality in the Secondary

For the second straight game, the Bears secondary is facing health issues heading into Sunday. This week, Kyler Gordon (hamstring) is slated to miss his first game of the season after getting hurt in London, while Jaquan Brisker (concussion) is missing his second consecutive contest.

Fortunately, the defense will be getting Tyrique Stevenson back, who missed the previous game due to a calf injury. Still, reserve players such as Terrell Smith, Jaylon Jones, and Josh Blackwell will likely be called upon throughout the game and could ultimately be charged with stopping one of the league's premier passing attacks if Daniels is good to go. So far this year, the Bears' secondary has been one of the league's best units, but they will need to have similar production with some less experienced players against the Commanders.