The Washington Commanders had a golden opportunity to claim a share of first place in the NFC East after the Philadelphia Eagles were upset by the New York Giants 34-17. Unfortunately, the Commanders were defeated at home by the Chicago Bears 25-24 on Monday Night Football. Chicago was primed and ready for the rematch of last year’s game, a game that saw quarterback Jayden Daniels connect with wide receiver Noah Brown on a 52 yard Hail Mary touchdown pass. The 18-15 Commanders’ victory in 2024 saw Washington catapult into last year’s playoffs, while sending Chicago’s season into a tailspin.
What a difference a year makes. During the Bears-Commanders’ Monday night game, it was Daniels who cost his team the game. His first quarter interception deep in Chicago territory thwarted a potential scoring drive. Making matters worse, Daniels lost a fumble late in the fourth quarter while Washington nursed a two point lead. The Bears recovered the fumble and went right down the field under the leadership of quarterback Caleb Williams. Chicago placekicker Jake Moody connected on a 38 yard field goal as time expired to win the game for the Bears.
It was an especially frustrating loss for Washington. Daniels accepted responsibility for the loss, saying that he needed to play better and be smarter with the football in his efforts to limit turnovers. Equally frustrating is running back Bill Croskey-Merritt losing a fumble for the second time in consecutive weeks during the Bears’ game. In total, the Commanders committed three turnovers while the Bears committed no turnovers. Losing the turnover battle is a recipe for disaster.
Washington doesn’t have any time to dwell on this loss. They are slated to go on the road to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week Seven. The Cowboys are the NFL’s number one ranked offense in terms of yards gained thanks to their quarterback, Dak Prescott. Dallas also ranks third in the NFL in points per game, averaging 29.7 points per contest. Meanwhile, the Commanders’ defense remains wildly inconsistent. Chicago running back D’Andre Swift recorded 175 yards from scrimmage, including a 55 yard touchdown reception against Washington that game the Bears momentum.
Sunday’s Commanders-Cowboys matchup looks like it’ll be a high scoring affair featuring two prolific offenses. Washington hopes that Daniels and Croskey-Merritt can rebound from their recent ball security issues and solidify the offense. Speaking of solidifying the offense, wide receiver Terry McLaurin is scheduled to return to practice this week. There is a possibility that McLaurin could return from a quad injury that sidelined him for the previous three games in time for the Dallas game. McLaurin’s possible return would definitely give Washington a boost to their wide receiver corps. For now, the Commanders will focus on constructing a game plan to beat Dallas on Sunday and avoid a two game losing streak.