The last time the Chicago Bears won four straight games was in 2018 when they accomplished the feat twice during a stretch of football that included nine wins in their final 10 games to win the NFC North. Chicago can win its fourth straight game on Sunday when they take on the Washington Commanders. Here are some key matchups.
Key Matchups to Watch in Sunday’s Bears-Commanders Game
Montez Sweat vs. Andrew Wylie
Montez Sweat returns to Washington for the first time since the Commanders traded him last year. In Sweat’s return, he’ll square off with right tackle Andrew Wylie — a player he practiced against before the trade to Chicago. I mentioned in the Bears’ offense versus Commanders’ defense breakdown that Washignton’s offensive line has been good this season. But the team’s strength in the trenches has been on the interior.
Left guard Nick Allegretti, center Tyler Biadasz, and right guard Sam Cosmi have been very good. All three rank in the top 25 at their respective positions this season at Pro Football Focus. However, Brandon Coleman (left tackle) and Wylie (who plays right tackle) rank 57th and 45th respectively among the 76 qualified tackles this season.
Sweat has 2.5 sacks in his last four games, and while he only logged a half sack in Week 6 against Jacksonville, he notched five quarterback hurries. I think Montez Sweat will have some extra juice for this matchup and have a big day against Andrew Wylie.
Jaylon Johnson vs. Terry McLaurin
Terry McLaurin has had a solid start to the season and has gotten better every week. McLaurin, who has 35 catches, 454 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns in seven games this season, has done some of his best work in recent weeks. He had six catches for 98 yards in a Week 7 win against Carolina. And two weeks ago, McLaurin scored a pair of touchdowns against the Baltimore Ravens.
However, he will have a tough challenge this week, going up against Jaylon Johnson, who has been a no-fly zone this season. According to PFF, Johnson has allowed one touchdown in his last 861 coverage snaps. Johnson’s 81.3 defensive grade ranks sixth among all corners, as does his 81.0 coverage grade. Johnson has played 213 coverage snaps this season, allowing zero touchdowns, a 52.6 percent catch rate, and only 113 receiving yards. He has two interceptions and two pass break-ups this season, and he’s only allowed his matchups ten receptions in six games.
DJ Moore vs. Benjamin St-Juste
DJ Moore had a memorable performance against the Washington Commanders last season, racking up 230 yards and three touchdowns in a Week 5 victory. It was a career-defining game in what turned out to be an outstanding season for the Bears receiver.
The Bears have been more aggressive with downfield passing recently, capitalizing on solid options, with Moore leading the way. He may find some chances against the Commanders’ defense, although it could be more challenging this year. While the Commanders have allowed 17 explosive pass plays (20+ yards) through seven games, which ranks around the league’s middle, they gave up 60 such plays last season. This suggests that while the Commanders’ defense has tightened up, Moore could still exploit opportunities downfield.
St-Juste will have his hands full against Moore on Sunday, and he’s been mediocre this season in coverage, allowing opposing receivers a 63 percent catch rate and three touchdowns in seven games. He’s allowed 100 yards after the catch and 13 yards per reception.