The week 3 schedule concludes on Monday Night Football as the 1-1 Chicago Bears head into Washington to take on the 0-2 Redskins. The Bears came into the season as the pick of many to go to the Superbowl. Thus far the defense has held up its end of the bargain in both games played. The offense on the other hand has been underwhelming. The Redskins came into the season without much expectation, no set starter at quarterback and a coach who likely needs a playoff appearance in order to keep his job. Both teams have a lot to play for this week. The Bears need a win to stay on course while at 0-2 the Redskins have a 12% chance of making the playoffs. Falling to 0-3 will eliminate virtually any shot at making the playoffs.
The Redskins got off to a poor start last week against the Dallas Cowboys and were never able to get within 1 score in a 31-21 loss. Running back Adrian Peterson (who was a healthy inactive in week 1) replaced an injured Darius Guice and managed to score a touchdown but was otherwise held in check with 10 carries for 25 yards. Starting quarterback Case Keenum was 26/37 for 221 yards and two passing touchdowns but it was not enough to make up for a defense that gave up 31 points and never even slowed down the Cowboys. The defense went into the game down two starters and did not have anyone step up in their absence.
The Bears are 1-1 and have a total of 19 points through 2 games. After scoring 3 points in a week one loss they managed 16 points in their week 2 win over the Denver Broncos. If not for a clutch game winning field goal with no time left by new kicker Eddy Pinero they would be 0-2. The Bears have historically been known for a great defense and a pedestrian offense. This season was supposed to be different with second year quarterback Mitchel Trubisky and rookie running back David Montgomery. Trubitsky went 16-27 for 120 yards and no touchdowns. Montgomery had 18 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown. So while the rookie had a productive day the 2nd year quarterback had his second consecutive miserable performance. The obvious bright spot has been the defense usually led by all world linebacker Khalil Mack but with Mack having a quiet night his teammates stepped up Roquan Smith (13 tackles), Danny Trevathan (12 tackles), and Eddie Jackson (10 tackles) led a defense that was dominant throughout.
The Redskins will have the benefit of the home crowd and are desperate for a win. The Bears will take their suspect offense onto the road in the NFL which despite a weak Redskins defense is always a difficult thing. The key will be the ability of the Redskins to get off to a good start offensively. A few points can go a long way. On the other hand, an early deficit combined with the Bears defense will result in a long night.
