The Chicago Bears, looking to extend their winning streak to three games after an 0-2 start, are in a big and crucial spot taking on the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football.

Chicago is coming off wins against the Dallas Cowboys and Las Vegas Raiders, and while all the talking points coming into Monday night will be about revenge from last year’s Hail Mary loss, the Bears just need to focus on being in the present and getting a win over the Commanders.

Calling the 2024 season a disappointment would be an understatement, but focusing on the improvements shown in the first four games feels more important coming in against Washington. With new head coach Ben Johnson leading the way, there have been plenty of changes for this team this year, bringing more optimism. Here’s a look at the top reasons for optimism heading into the Week 6 matchup against the Commanders.

The development of Caleb Williams

There’s no denying that the Bears offense is much different in Williams’ second season, a lot of that credit going to his new head coach. Williams has also shown development in using his legs more this year, making him a respectable dual-threat that opposing defenses have to prepare for, igniting a very stale running game for Chicago this year. Coming into the game against Washington last year, the Bears offense could rarely find rhythm, this season, it’s been much more different.

Washington’s banged up offensive superstars

The Commanders will be without superstar wide receiver Terry McLaurin for this matchup, and quarterback Jayden Daniels just returned last week from a knee injury. Washington’s offense has been led by rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but in Daniels’ return to the lineup, he threw for 231 yards and one touchdown in a win over the Los Angeles Chargers. No team is ever fully healthy in the NFL, but having Washington’s top offensive weapons banged up could only help the Bears defense and potentially limit the Commanders’ threat. There’s also no official word on Deebo Samuel, the veteran wide receiver who is in his first year with the team, and his status is unlikely to be known until Monday night. If Washington comes into the game without their top two wide receivers, it’s a significant help for the Bears defense.

Commanders’ low-ranked defense

While they ranked 17th in rushing defense in the NFL, the Commanders rank 24th in total defense and 23rd in passing defense this season. Those numbers should have the Bears offense more than excited to take on a struggling Washington defense, especially with the improvements they’ve made in the passing game. Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze line up to have favorable matchups in this game, and that would go right in line with what has worked best with the offense.

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