1.) Put the Pressure On
The Commanders are likely to be without starting right tackle Sam Cosmi. Their other tackle, former Bear Charles Leno, has been dealing with a shoulder injury the past few weeks but hasn’t been on the injury report this week. With both their tackles banged up, the Bears must capitalize and get to Wentz. The Commanders are tied for the second-most sacks given up with 20. With one tackle out, Robert Quinn and the defensive line should look to have a monster game. An adjustment that should be made for the Thursday night game is the playing time for Trevis Gipson. He has been out-snapped by Al-Quadin Muhammad through five games this season. Gipson is miles better in rushing the passer and is not far behind Muhammad in stopping the run. Gipson deserves to be starting over Muhammad. The Bears will look to wreak havoc on Washington’s offensive line regardless of who gets the start. Pressuring Wentz all game will go a long way to a Bears win in the short week.
2.) Build Momentum
While the Bears are coming off a loss to the Vikings, Justin Fields and the offense looked much better, especially in the second half. The coaching was more aggressive, Fields looked much calmer, and some receivers played well. It would go a long way if they continued the same style of play on Thursday night. Taking shots down the field, getting their playmakers involved through screens or short passes, and trusting the run game. The offense looked as good as it ever had last week, and confidence should be at an all-time high. That, combined with the unfortunate loss, may boost morale in the locker room. Trusting Justin Fields to run the offense and lead the Bears to the end zone will lead to a Bears win and Field’s development.
3.) Take Advantage of Injuries
The Bears have cleared up their injury woes, with Jaylon Johnson and N’Keal Harry ready to play against Washinton on Thursday night. However, the Commanders are riddled with injuries. Starting tackle Sam Cosmi is out, star rookie Jahan Dotson is out, tight end Logan Thomas is out, and cornerback William Jackson III is out. Carson Wentz is losing two of his best targets and his right tackle. He will be looking at Terry McLaurin a lot throughout the game, and with Jaylon Johnson back, he should be covered well all night. The defense will need to step up big time, take advantage of a weakened Washington team, and make big-time stops. Turnovers will also play a large part in a win, as Wentz has six interceptions through five games. A win is well within grasp for the Bears, and they need to step up and take it.
Momentum
The Bears are at home, Justin Fields is coming off his best game this season, the defense is getting their superstar CB back, and the offense is getting a big-bodied receiver in N’Keal Harry. The Commanders have looked bad through five games and are coming into Thursday night with a four-game losing streak. This should be a big win for the Bears and, hopefully, a good game from Justin Fields.
