The Washington Commanders [1-4] are in prime time for the first time in 2022 as they travel to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears [2-3].
The Commanders enter Thursday night’s battle, having lost four games in a row. Meanwhile, Chicago has lost two games in a row, but there is a different vibe surrounding the Bears.
To learn all we could about the 2022 Chicago Bears, we spoke with Bears Wire managing editor Alyssa Barbieri this week ahead of Thursday’s game.
We go “Behind Enemy Lines” with Alyssa on the Bears.
How would you assess Justin Fields’ progress this season?
Bears Wire: If you asked me before last week, I would’ve told you it was a disaster. Through the first four games, Fields looked like he had regressed from his rookie season. He looked uncomfortable in the pocket and in this offense, which wasn’t helped by shortcomings at wide receiver, offensive line and a first-time play caller in Luke Getsy. But Fields took a big step forward in his development in last week’s loss to the Vikings, where he looked the most comfortable he’s been all season. Fields was confident, poised and was able to navigate his less-than-stellar circumstances, which included the understanding that he’s a playmaker in his own right.
Do Bears fans still believe in Fields?
Bears Wire: Considering Fields has started just 16 games and the lack of talent around him on offense, I’d say yes. But I’d be lying if I said there weren’t concerns about his performance in the first quarter of the season. But Fields’ performance against the Vikings reminded fans exactly why they were so excited when the Bears traded up to draft him in 2021. He’s got the potential to be a great quarterback in this league. But it’s going to require some patience.
Who is Chicago’s top back: David Montgomery or Khalil Herbert?
Bears Wire: While the Bears have two starting caliber running backs in Montgomery and Herbert, Montgomery has been the lead back since he has drafted in 2019. Don’t get me wrong, Herbert has been a solid fill-in for Montgomery when he was hurt and provided a change of pace. But Montgomery has been the team’s biggest offensive contributor over the last few years. He’s a dominant runner who can contribute in the passing game. Montgomery also does one thing that Herbert can’t: block. Still, Montgomery and Herbert managed to carry this run game in the first quarter of the season when the passing game was non-existent.
How do you feel about the offensive line?
Bears Wire: Not good. The offensive line was one of the biggest concerns heading into this season, given the importance of Fields’ development in Year 2. While the line has done a solid job in run blocking, Fields is among the most-sacked quarterbacks, and it’s been a struggle in pass protection. Sam Mustipher is a liability at center, free-agent addition Lucas Patrick still hasn’t played center (the position he was brought in to play) and they’ve got a fifth-round rookie at left tackle in Braxton Jones. It certainly doesn’t help that the Bears lost their best offensive lineman in Cody Whitehair, who’s on IR with a knee injury. The offensive line will no doubt be a focal point next offseason, where GM Ryan Poles has plenty of money to spend.
What is your overall assessment of the defense?
Bears Wire: It’s a young group that lacks talent at certain positions, including including along the defensive interior and linebacker. Chicago has some playmakers in linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerback Jaylon Johnson and safety Eddie Jackson. But there are some veterans who have disappointed this season, including Smith and defensive end Robert Quinn. There’s an abundance of young talent, including top draft selections cornerback Kyler Gordon and safety Jaquan Brisker, along with defensive end Dominique Robinson. But, at the end of the day, they’re a defense that’s going to keep battling and pride themselves on taking the football away.
How is Ron Rivera still viewed in Chicago?
Bears Wire: There’s always going to be respect and appreciation for Rivera in Chicago. Rivera is synonymous with good vibes in Chicago, whether it’s as a member of the 1985 Bears or the team’s defensive coordinator during their only Super Bowl appearance since that championship in ’85.
Prediction
Bears Wire: There’s something to be said about momentum, even coming off a loss. Before last week’s game, I was prepared to take Washington. But there’s plenty for the Bears to build on coming off their second-half performance in their loss to the Vikings. It starts with Fields and the offense, and Jaylon Johnson’s return will benefit the defense signficantly. Both teams have kept games competitive, and I expect this to be no different. But Chicago’s momentum has me leaning in favor of the home team.
Bears 23, Commanders 17
