The Washington Commanders are preparing to host the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football this week. They hosted them last year in a game that infamously ended with Jayden Daniels throwing a Hail Mary touchdown to Noah Brown. Daniels came back from a knee injury last week, and Brown is working his way back after a three week absence. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said he liked the way Daniels protected the ball last week vs the Chargers. He was unfazed by the slow start, getting down 10-0 early, and led the team to a 27-10 win.
Kingsbury also had good things to say about Bill’s work ethic, Chris Paul’s emergence a very good starting guard, and Luke McCaffrey’s improvement in his second season. Bill had his breakout game last week, and has improved, but Kingsbury continues to note that pass protection and blocking are a big part of his responsibilities, and the rookie still has a “ways to go” with his play without the ball.
Rookie of the Week awards:
Joe Whitt Jr was in the doghouse of the Washington Commanders fanbase last week, but his defense stepped up against the Chargers last week, only allowing 10 points, and forcing two turnovers. That was their first multi-takeaway game, and it doubled their season total. Whitt highlighted the play of Dorance Armstrong, Javon Kinlaw, Johnny Newton, Trey Amos, and Bobby Wagner in Los Angeles. He was also happy that his unit wasn’t called for any penalties. Whitt said they adjust the game plan last week, something fans have been calling for, going to more simulated zone pressures. “We went in with one game plan and it wasn’t working so we adjusted quickly. It brought guys to life... we were still aggressive.”
Washington now faces a Chicago Bears team led by last year’s No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. They’ve also added former Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson as their head coach, and Williams has shown improvement from his rookie season.Whitt called him a talented QB that knows how to escape pressure. Washington was able to generate pressure on Justin Herbert last week, and will next to play disciplined football again this week.
No penalties and player highlights:
Simulated zone pressures:
Terry McLaurin not practicing:
Deebo Samuel vet rest day: