The Chicago Bears head to Washington in search of their second victory of the season against the winless Redskins on Monday Night Football.
The Bears offense is looking to establish a rhythm as a unit for the first time this season while Chicago’s defense is ready to get after Case Keenum and the Redskins offense.
While this match-up appears favorable for the Bears, there are some concerns for Chicago heading into a potential trap game.
Here are three causes for concern as the Bears prepare to face the Redskins in Week 3:
1. Mitch Trubisky’s primetime struggles
As if Bears QB Mitch Trubisky didn’t have enough pressure on him to perform well against the Redskins, he’ll have to do it on the primetime stage, where he’s notoriously struggled.
In six career primetime games, Trubisky has completed 122 of 200 passes for 1,002 yards for five touchdowns, nine interceptions and a 63.4 passer rating. The Bears are 3-3 in those games.
Trubisky is noticeably better at noon games compared to later afternoon and primetime contests. He has a 96.7 passer rating in early-afternoon games and a winning record of 9-8. In late-afternoon games, Trubisky is decent with a 81.4 passer rating and a 4-1 record. But it’s those night games where he struggles immensely.
The one thing going for Trubisky is a favorable match-up against a Redskins defense that allowing an average 455 yards per game (30th in NFL) and 31.5 points per game (31st in NFL).
2. Bears offense hasn’t scored more than 20 points all season
For a Bears offense entering its second season in Matt Nagy’s system, the pressure to find the on-switch gets heavier with each passing game. The Bears offense has struggled as a unit to establish an offensive identity, and as a result have only amassed 19 points in two games.
While the Redskins defense has given up an average 31.5 points per game over the first two weeks, the Bears offense needs to prove it can move the ball and score more than one touchdown if it hopes to come close to that mark.
The potential is there against a bad Redskins defense, but can the offense put their past struggles behind them and finally find a rhythm?
3. Eddy Pineiro’s right knee injury
Chicago’s biggest concern heading into this season has become a strength in kicker Eddy Pineiro, whose late-game heroics against the Broncos last week saved the Bears from a 0-2 hole.
Pineiro has become a consistent component of this team, as he leads them in points scored with 13). Which is why his surprising appearance on Saturday’s injury report was alarming.
Pineiro suffered a minor right knee injury in the weight room at Halas Hall. While Matt Nagy doesn’t believe it’s serious, if Pineiro can’t go Monday, you have to wonder where the Bears will turn in his absence.
