The Chicago Bears are in Landover, Maryland this weekend, taking on the Washington Commanders at Commanders Field in Week 8. How does their offense stack up against the Commanders’ defense? Let’s discuss.
Chicago Bears Offense
- QB: Caleb Williams
- RB: D’Andre Swift
- WR: DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze
- TE: Cole Kmet
- LT: Braxton Jones
- LG: Teven Jenkins
- C: Coleman Shelton
- RG: Matt Pryor
- RT: Darnell Wright
Washington Commanders Defense
- LDE: Clelin Ferrell (Q)
- LDT: Daron Payne
- RDT: Jer’Zhan Newton
- RDE: Dorance Armstrong (Q)
- WLB: Frankie Luvu
- MLB: Bobby Wagner
- SLB: Dante Fowler Jr. (Q)
- LCB: Benjamin St-Juste
- RCB: Mike Sainristil
- NB: Noah Igbinoghene
- FS: Quan Martin
- SS: Jeremy Chin
Tale of the Tape
Chicago Bears Offense
- Points Per Game: 24.7 (12th)
- EPA Per Play: -0.01 (18th)
- EPA Per Pass: -0.05 (21st)
- EPA Per Rush: -0.12 (25th)
Washington Commanders Defense
- Points Per Game: 21.7 (15th)
- EPA Per Play: -0.06 (24th)
- EPA Per Pass: -0.07(25th)
- EPA Per Rush: -0.02 (26th)
Stats that Matter
- Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has thrown for at least two touchdowns in three of his last four games. The Commanders have allowed 12 passing touchdowns this season, fifth-most in the league.
- When throwing quickly, Caleb Williams is 75-of-93 for 550 yards and four touchdowns with a +20.7 EPA (sixth-most in the league). The Commanders have allowed opposing quarterbacks a 114.0 passer rating on quick passes this season, the second-highest in the league.
- The Commanders allow 2.1 touchdowns per contest in the red zone, which ranks 25th in the NFL. Washington is allowing opposing teams touchdowns in the red zone 71.43 percent of the time, which ranks 29th in the league.
- Washington’s 46 percent pass rush win rate ranks sixth-best in the NFL. However, their 29 percent run block win rate (29%) ranks 27th.
- The Commanders’ offensive line has been very good this season, with a 65 percent pass block win rate (6th) and a 75 percent run block win rate (1st).
- DJ Moore erupted for 230 yards and three touchdowns against the Commanders last season and has historically played well against Washington, averaging 90.2 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders.
What does it all mean?
The Chicago Bears re-emerge from the bye week, riding a three-game winning streak. During that streak, the offense scored 31.7 points per game, ranking fifth in the league. If this is what Chicago’s offense will look like, paired with their top-five defense, they will be a scary unit.
Yes, the defenses they will play will improve down the stretch, but we’re not there yet. Washington is bottom third in all EPA categories and has been awful at stopping teams from scoring touchdowns in the red zone. Chicago has been one of the best in the league at converting on trips to the red zone, scoring touchdowns on 70.59 percent of their trips inside the opposing 20-yard line.
Quite simply, the Bears have another chance to feast on a defense that’s not very good. Washington is better than their previous three opponents but not much better.