The Chicago Bears will host the Washington Commanders on a short week as the two teams will play at Soldier Field Thursday night. Although the Bears have only four opponents to prepare for the Commanders, they will have a much-needed 11 days until their next opponent, the New England Patriots. With a young team in Chicago and a second-year quarterback in Justin Fields, the eleven-day break could be significant in overall development.
The Offense Is In Need Of Time Off To Allow For Development
Depending on what is seen against the Commanders by the Bears’ offense, the break can be vital given the beginning struggles and recent progressions by Fields and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Although Chicago’s second-year quarterback started the season on a terrible note by only throwing for 191 yards in the first three games, he has now thrown for 382 yards in the last two games. If Fields can turn in another positive performance against the Commanders, the passing offense has significant momentum to build on during a time when film review becomes monumental.
"We are getting a little bit better each week." – #Bears OC Luke Getsy on Justin Fields' progress.
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) October 11, 2022
Additionally, Chicago’s passing offense will be aided by the extended time off as two wide receivers are returning from injuries and need to be worked into the passing scheme before the Patriots’ game. Rookie Velus Jones Jr and veteran N’Keal Hary have missed extended time during the preseason and the start of the regular season and have not been able to become fully accustomed to the offense. Jones made his NFL debut in Week 4 against the Giants and has only appeared a handful of times on offense, including his nine-yard touchdown catch against the Vikings.
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FIRST CAREER TOUCHDOWN ALERT! 🚨
Velus Jones Jr. has his first! 🟠🔵
— DaWindyCityFS (@DaWindyCityFS) October 9, 2022
If Jones and Harry can be integrated into the offense during the 11-day break, it will help to make Fields better as a passing quarterback, as he will have more options to throw too. Over the past two weeks, Chicago’s quarterback has finally been able to get the ball to the team’s most vital pass-catchers in wide receiver Darnell Mooney, tight end Cole Kmet, and running back David Montgomery. All three players had receptions over 20 yards or more against the Vikings. Having Jones and Harry become reliable receiving options will allow Fields to continue to make plays in the passing offense and help create more separation for Mooney and Kmet.
Working two more receivers into the offense, especially two that can excel with different traits, can provide Getsy more flexibility with his play-calling. Jones’ speed makes him a threat in both the passing and running game, while Harry’s size provides Fields a larger catch radius that other receivers on the Bears do not have. The diversity will enable Getsy to highlight the strengths of every pass-catcher on the field to help allow Fields more passing options and avoid sacks.
The chemistry between Getsy and Fields can significantly benefit from the 11-day between games as the offensive coordinator can align with the quarterback to determine what has worked and hasn’t worked in the first six games of 2022. The chance to review, dissect, and devise a new strategy will be vital given the upward trend Chicago’s offense is experiencing, as the team has recorded four scoring drives in back-to-back games. Although most of the offensive drives have ended in field goals, Getsy and Fields can work on turning some of those field goals into touchdowns.
THANK YOU DARNELL MOONEY FOR MAKING A PLAY FOR JUSTIN FIELDS pic.twitter.com/UHiloJYHSa
— DOM (@DOM_Frederic) October 9, 2022
The Defensive Rookies Can Greatly Benefit From The Extended Break
On defense, Chicago has been better than expected, especially in the second half of their games, only allowing one second-half touchdown all season. Although the Bears’ defense has given up a vast amount of yards, they have limited opponents from scoring at will and have continued to force turnovers in each game. In Chicago’s last three games, the defense has recorded an interception in the fourth quarter.
#Bears defense has at least one takeaway in every game this year.
— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) October 9, 2022
The defense led by head coach Matt Eberflus and defensive coordinator Alan Williams has had success, even when playing several inexperienced rookies. Chicago’s defense features rookie cornerback Kyler Gordon, safety Jaquan Brisker, and defensive end Dominique Robinson. Robinson has recorded multiple sacks through the bears’ first five games of the season, while Brisker has recorded a sack and fumble recovery. Although Gordon has struggled early in the season on pass defense, he had an impressive second half against the Vikings that featured several key tackles.
Following the Commanders’ game, Brisker and Gordon can see and learn what they have struggled with at the start of their NFL careers and be better accustomed in identifying what opposing offenses plan on doing. It is impressive that Chicago has only allowed one second-half touchdown, despite starting two rookies in their secondary and not having their best cornerback, Jaylon Johnson, for the last three games.
Johnson will return on Thursday night against Washington, and his presence could allow Gordon to make an impactful play against a quarterback in Carson Wentz, who is prone to turnovers. Johnson returning to the lineup will allow Chicago’s defense to grow even more during the break, as they will be able to determine how much of a difference the vital cornerback makes.
Kyler Gordon is improving y’all. Uncommon to see a CB show up in the run game like he did Sunday. #DaBears #Bears
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) October 11, 2022
Chicago’s bye week doesn’t come until mid-December, which could be too late for any prominent progression or learning that can be made in the week off due to the majority of the season being over. Playing Thursday night, and then not again until Monday the 24th, gives Chicago more than enough time to allow injured players to be acclimated in the offense while giving others time to learn. If the Bears are victorious over the Commanders on Thursday, the much-needed momentum could carry over to the Patriots’ game.
Keep the faith Russ. It certainly can’t do anything but help! And I will throw a positive out there from my perspective. This year’s team plays very hard and fights every game. And we have coaches that make actual, useful, in game adjustments. These attributes keep us in every game.
@Sam K. Agreed. Can’t be all sunshine and rainbows, all the time. I’m just tryin\g to say… it can NOT be all negative all the time. I’ve found myself falling into that trap. (you can look at almost ANY situation as positive or negative) just a matter of your perspective. It’s easier to focus on the negative… that’s why I called it a ‘challenge’. I appreciate your respect..and give it to you and JimB, both. I read all of your comments, too. Bear down! Beat Washington.(any which way lol ) Granma is welcome to suite up, if she’s an upgrade.… Read more »
@Russ.. sometimes it’s also ok to be REAL and HONEST sir. I do appreciate your positive outlook, very much so.. but theres also that 50/50 split that includes actual reality of how a player is actively playing. His play is hampering the growth of other players right now.
@jim B. BEEEE positive. The world is full of naysayers. you’re not WRONG but… it brings me down when ALL we hear is negativity. We are bear’s fan’s and have that ‘right’ (because we still with them thru thick and thin… but always negative gets OLD!)
my challenge to you… .is to fine SOMETHING positive to comment about. Challenge, accepted?
@jim B… Totally agree brother. He’s just so-soooo bad. Lets suit your mom up and get Fields some interior protection!!!