Game Preview, Week 5: Chicago at Washington

October 5, 2023

by Steve Thomas

Washington is coming off a pretty decent effort in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and thus, to some extent, whereas this week’s opponent, the Chicago Bears, are 0 – 4 and falling.  The Bears have looked bad – really bad – for four weeks and have also had some nationally-televised drama in the process.  So at first glance, this seems like an opportunity for the Redskins Washington Football Team the Commanders Washington to get back on track after two straight losses.  That’s certainly true, although Washington’s extremely negative history on Thursday Night Football should not be discounted.  Even given that reality, this ought to be a good game for the home team this week.  We’ll see.  Our week 5 game preview is below.

Game time & location:           Thursday, October 5, 2023, 8:15 p.m. ET, Fed Ex Field, Raljon, Maryland; Gates open 4:15                                                     p.m. ET; Red Zone parking lots open 3:15 p.m.; all other parking lots 4:15 p.m.

Television:                               Amazon

Television announcers:         Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit

TV broadcast map:                 click here

 

DC-area radio:                           BIG-100 (WBIG FM)

Washington radio network:    click here

Bears radio network:               click here

Satellite radio:                            SiriusXM: 225b(Wash. broad.); internet: 831

 

Washington roster:                 click here

Washington depth chart:       click here

Bears roster:                           click here

Bears depth chart:                 click here

 

Records: Washington 2 – 2 (home 1 – 1); Chicago 0 – 4 (away 0 – 2)

All-time head-to-head record vs Bears: 23 – 21 – 1 (last 10: 8 – 2; streak: 1 – 0)

Last meeting: W, October 13, 2022, 12 – 7

Early odds: Washington, -7

3 KEYS TO THE GAME

Play mistake free football

At the risk of stating the obvious, against a team like the Bears, job one is to simply play well.  Washington has played fairly well at times this season, but still hasn’t put together a complete game.  Chicago is a lesser team; don’t give them any unearned advantages – no interceptions, fumbles, or busted coverages, and this game is likely to go well.

Stop Chicago’s rushing attack

Chicago isn’t a very good passing team.  Frankly, they aren’t a great running team, either, but the greater of two evils for Washington is Chicago’s ground game, particularly with an athletic quarterback like Justin Fields.  Washington’s most effective game plan is going to be for the defensive front four to shut down Chicago’s rushing attack and force the Bears to beat them in the air.  If Washington can do that, a win seems fairly likely.

Balanced offensive game plan

Washington’s offensive is going to be most effective with a balanced game plan features an efficient rushing game.  One criticism of offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has been his pass-heavy offense this year.  That was mitigated somewhat last week against the Eagles, but he needs to continue to do better.  The goal here should be to establish a solid ground game that gains at least 4.5 yards per carry.

3 KEY MATCHUPS

Emmanuel Forbes vs D.J. Moore

Forbes had a terrible game last week, and now will face another talented receiver in D.J. Moore.  Washington does not need a weak link in their secondary, and Chicago will likely try to take advantage of his poor play.  Keep an eye out on this matchup, and whether Forbes is holding his own or getting burned.

Montez Sweat vs Darnell Wright

Sweat needs to take advantage of Chicago’s rookie first round draft pick at the right tackle position.  This is an interesting matchup because Wright was viewed by many as the top tackle in this year’s draft.  Watch to see whether Sweat is getting consistent pressure on Justin Fields, or whether Wright holds his own.

Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson vs the Bears secondary

Chicago is burdened by serious injury problems in their secondary.  Starting corner Jaylon Johnson and starting safety Eddie Jackson are both out this week due to injury.  McLaurin and Dotson ought to have plenty of room to be playmakers.

OFFICIAL INJURY REPORT (active roster only)

LP – limited practice                          FP – full practice                    DNP – did not practice

NIR – not injury related                      Q – questionable                     O – out

D – doubtful                                        NL – not listed

Washington	Bears
CB C. Holmes, back; Mon: DNP; Tue: LP; Wed: FP	WR C. Claypool, other; Mon: DNP; Tue: DNP; Wed: DNP; game: O
WR C. Samuel, quad; Mon: DNP; Tue: LP; Wed: LP	S E. Jackson, foot; Mon: DNP Tue: DNP; Wed: DNP; game: O
WR J. Dotson, ankle; Mon: LP; Tue: LP; Wed: FP	CB J. Johnson, hamstring; Mon: DNP Tue: DNP; Wed: DNP; game: O
RB C. Rodriguez Jr., illness; Mon: LP; Tue: LP; Wed: LP; game: Q	T T. Jenkins, calf; Mon: FP; Tue: FP; Wed: FP; game: Q
DB J. Martin, thumb; Mon: FP; Tue: FP; Wed: FP	S J. Brisker, hamstring; Mon: NL; Tue: NL; Wed: LP; game: Q
CB B. St-Juste, neck; Mon: FP; Tue: FP; Wed: FP

Steve’s Prediction

The Bears are a bit more of a mess than I thought they’d be when I did my original season prediction.  I don’t think Washington is going to run away with this one, but they do win 24 – 20.