The Bears (1-1) head to Washington to face the winless Redskins (0-2) on Monday Night Football, and there’s a winning record on the line for Chicago.
The Bears offense, which has struggled in their first two games this season, has an opportunity to find their footing against a bad Redskins defense where there are explosive plays to be had.
Coaches and players have been preaching all week about how “close” the offense is to finally exploding and having that signature game. This is the perfect opportunity for that game.
For QB Mitch Trubisky, this game has even more meaning, as fans are looking for something, anything from the third year quarterback that points to him being Chicago’s quarterback of the future.
Here are five storylines to watch as the Bears face the Redskins on Monday Night Football:
1. Can Mitch Trubisky silence the doubters vs. Redskins?
I don’t think it’s too much to say that Bears QB Mitch Trubisky faces one of the most important games in his young career on Monday night against the Redskins.
While his season won’t depend on this one game, this is the best opportunity Trubisky has to silence the doubters that have descended upon him in these first two weeks of the season.
Trubisky will face a Redskins defense that ranks 30th in the league, allowing 31.5 points per game and 455 yards per game after two weeks. This is a Washington defense that doesn’t pressure the quarterback and there will be big plays to be had.
While Trubisky has been known to pull together game-winning or potential game-winning drives, as evidenced by the Eagles playoff game and last week vs. Denver, he needs to show that he can consistent as a passer throughout a game. Not just a game, multiple games. But we’ll start with the Redskins.
2. Can the Bears offense take advantage of Redskins defense?
The Bears offense has failed to establish a rhythm after two games this season, and there’s plenty of blame to go around. But there are no excuses come Monday night when they face a Redskins defense that has taken a beating this season.
The Redskins defense ranks 30th in yards per game (455), 24th in passing yards per game (287), 30th in rushing yards per game (168) and 31st in points per game (31.5) over two weeks. Simply put, they’re not good.
If there was ever a perfectly-crafted opportunity for the Bears to establish an offensive identity, it’s Monday night. If they can’t, then it might be time to start worrying how long we’ll have to wait for them to finally come to fruition.
3. Will the Bears defense have its way with Case Keenum and Redskins offense?
While Case Keenum and the Redskins offense have put up some numbers in their first two games this season, they haven’t played a defense like the Bears yet.
Chicago’s defense will be the toughest challenge to date this season for the Redskins, whose run game is averaging just 37.5 yards per game, which ranks 30th in the league. While Keenum’s numbers are impressive — 910 passing yards, 5 touchdowns and a passer rating of 111.2 — he’ll be challenged by Chicago’s defense.
The Bears defense has allowed a stingy 12 points per game this season, which ranks third in the league. They’ve also allowed just one touchdown per game. While Chicago only has one takeaway this season, the Redskins present an opportunity for this Bears defense to have its first multi-takeaway game this year.
4. Is this the game where Anthony Miller gets more involved?
For all the promises of Anthony Miller in Year 2, it’s been a disappointing start to the season for the young receiver. The offense’s struggles are a big reason why, and aside from Allen Robinson, Chicago’s receivers haven’t been impactful on offense.
If there was ever a time for the offense — and Miller — to start executing, it’s against this Redskins defense. Washington has allowed 31.5 points per game, as well as 287 passing yards per game, which is encouraging for Chicago’s receiver corp.
Miller had offseason shoulder surgery and nursed an ankle injury in preseason, which is why the Bears are being cautious with him. But Miller led the Bears with 7 touchdowns last season, and you have wonder when they’ll stop playing it safe and start utilizing a valuable offensive weapon.
5. How will the Bears fare in another primetime contest?
Matt Nagy said that it’s a good thing when you’re on as many primetime games as the Bears are this season. It means people want to see more of you. But after Chicago’s first primetime contest — a 10-3 loss to the Packers — will the Bears show up on Monday night against the Redskins?
The Bears are no strangers to primetime over the past two seasons, including last year where they were had a couple of Sunday afternoon games flexed to Sunday night.
But when you’re on the national stage, everyone is watching. And after Week 1’s offensive letdown, you know many will be watching and waiting to see if the offense rises to the challenge or falls flat on its face again.
