Bears' Meltdown Loss to Commanders Exposes Same Old Issues

2. Offensive Line Regression

The Bears' offensive line had been playing much better entering this game against the Commanders. This was a positive sign, especially since, on paper, the Commanders' defensive line isn't great.

Regardless, looking past the opposing defensive line is a dangerous game. The Commanders showed that this week by getting consistent pressure. Although none of that pressure led to sacks, it affected Caleb Williams significantly.

The Bears' offensive line did suffer multiple injuries during the game. Left tackle Braxton Jones left early in the game with a knee injury, while left guard Teven Jenkins exited the game multiple times.

Nonetheless, that is no excuse for how they played when the whole line was healthy. They looked much more like they did in weeks one through three than they did the past few weeks.

If that's the level of play the offensive line brings to the division games in three weeks, then the Bears have no chance of winning those games.

3. Tory Taylor's Addition Pays Dividends

When the Bears selected punter Tory Taylor in the fourth round this year, many people questioned it. While Taylor has put to rest some of the doubters, he ins't near the top in many punter stats.

After his performance in the Commanders game that will change. Of Taylor's seven punts five of them were downed inside the 20 yard line . This single handedly kept the Bears in the game because it forced the Commanders to drive the full length of the field against a defense with a bend but don't break philosophy.

Taylor averaged 44.6 yards per punt with a long of 68 against the Commanders. While Taylor's
average punt yardage for the game is around league average. His impactful punts (i.e., inside the 20 and longest pun) significantly helped the Bears.

Even though the Bears don't want to rely on Taylor for field position every game, it is nice to know they can whenever they need to.

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