TNF: Commanders @ Bears

By Conor Perrett

After the field goal contest last week on Thursday Night Footballs, it’s back this week with two disappointing teams looking to get their season back on track. 

Chicago Bears

Power Rankings – 27th : https://tinyurl.com/26z255sa 

The Bears offence has been nothing short of terrible this season. They could potentially have their franchise quarterback in place, but with no support around him there have been struggles.

The running game isn’t all that bad with Khalil Herbert having 328 rushing yards on the year at 5.9 yards per carry, but the passing game is what has been a tough watch. Fields is by far the most sacked quarterback in the league with a poor offensive line protecting him. Combined with receivers, most of whom would struggle to make another roster in the league, has led to the fewest total passing yards and passing yards per game in the league.

But despites these internal issues, the Bears are coming off their best offensive performance to date when they scored 22 points against the Vikings. Now, granted they lost the game, but from an offensive perspective it was a big improvement on what we had seeing of late. 

Washington Commanders

Power Rankings – 31st: https://tinyurl.com/26z255sa 

Washignton is having an underwhelming season to say the least. With expectations of pushing for playoffs after their Week 1 win when Jahan Dotson hit the scene, the wheels have started to fall off with a four-game losing streak. 

Carson Wentz was traded to the Commanders this past off-season and hasn’t met the heights of what Ron Rivera and the fans would have wanted. In classic Wentz fashion he has the talent to make spectacular plays, but his lack of consistency means every good play is followed soon after vwith a horrific play.

On a positive note Washington has got rookie Brain Robinson back, with a three-headed rushing attack monster in the works. Last week Robinson, Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic all split snaps across the game as Washington tried to put them in positions to take advantage of what the opposing defence showed. They seem to have a few weapons to turn this ship back around towards the playoffs, but does something need to change?

Head coach Ron Rivera was asked that question last week, his response. “It’s something that we have to address if it gets to that point, and we’re getting close,” the coach told NBC Sports Washington. 

That question was asked prior to their matchup against the Titans which they went on to loss. So if they fall to the Bears and drop to 1-5 on the season, could that be the final straw for Rivera to start making changes?

Prediction

Now it’s looking like this game could be another sluggish offence affair, much to the same as last Thursday Night Football. In similar fashion both teams have struggled to get things working on offence whilst being average on defence. 

On paper I like this Bears team better. In my opinion, they have the better out-and-out quarterback and have starting corner Jaylon Johnson back, with N’keal Harry expected to make his debut in Chicago. Not to mention Washington are beaten up and missing some starters.

But when it comes to match-ups I like the chances of this Washington side. Both teams are going to want to rely heavily on the run and Washington looks in better shape to stop that. With this new look rushing attack, Tennessee did a good job in stopping it last week, but the Bears are far weaker allowing 170 rushing yards per game for 31st in the league.

Wentz up to date has fared well on Thursday Night Football and if their defences can keep heading in the right direction they should be able to get an away win on prime time.  

Bears 13, Commanders 20