3 Keys to Bears Victory Over the Commanders in Week 8

The Bears come off the bye and face the Washington Commanders in a game that could be important for playoff seeding. Here are three keys to victory.
Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) carries the ball for a first down during the first half of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images
Oct 13, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) carries the ball for a first down during the first half of an NFL International Series game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images / Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images
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3. Keep Caleb Clean

During the first three weeks of the season, the Bears offensive line allowed 13 sacks and a ton of quarterback pressure. That abysmal start made people fear that the offensive line would be an issue all season.

Thankfully, over the past three games, protection has been much better. Williams was only sacked seven times, and while pressure has been present, it hasn't been as intense. Although that's a good sign for the Bears' offensive line, their last three opponents haven't had great defensive lines.

The most experienced defensive line they went against in their last three games was the Jaguars in London. In that game, the Bears kept the Jaguars' dangerous edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker contained.

This week, the Bears face a Commanders defense that's tied for ninth-best in the NFL with 19 sacks. That means they average just 2..7 sacks per game, which doesn't indicate they have a dangerous pass rush.

Moreover, the Commanders lost their best defensive lineman, Jonathan Allen, to a torn pec. Their next best pass rusher is Dante Fowler Jr., who has been a journeyman defensive lineman and is putting together a decent season so far.

But, if the Bears' only real focus is to stop Fowler, then protecting Williams should look like it has the past three weeks. Assuming the Bears' offensive line keeps Williams clean, then the offense should move the ball up and down the field easily.

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