5 things to know ahead of Bears vs. Commanders in Week 5
The Chicago Bears (0-4) are looking to quickly repress the memory of a painful Week 4 loss and grasp a Week 5 victory against the Washington Commanders (2-2) on Thursday Night Football. Chicago will most likely be without some key starters defensively, but might get a crucial boost to the offense as one player could return from injury.
Chicago and Washington have a surprisingly layered history, from a record the Bears set in 1940 that stands to this day, to the two team’s surprisingly frequent bouts in the playoffs. Let’s go over everything you need to know ahead of Bears vs. Commanders in Week 5.
The game will be the 46th all-time matchup between the two teams
The Bears’ history of battling the Commanders is one of Chicago’s more historic series, as the two organizations first played each other in the 1932 season. Washington just edges out Chicago in the all-time standings, holding a 23-21-1 record. History does not favor the Bears traveling to FedEx Field, as the Commanders have a 13-11-1 record when hosting the Bears.
The Bears buried the Commanders 73-0 in the 1940 NFL Championship, setting a record that stands today
Remember the days when Chicago could run up the score on an opponent and not worry about their opponent making an unlikely comeback? Yeah, those were the days. Though most probably wouldn’t remember this specific day in 1940, when Chicago shut out Washington 73-0 in the 1940 NFL Championship. The Bears utter dismantling of the Commanders still stands as the most points ever scored by one team in a single game.
Bears and Commanders will return to FedEx Field with another prime time matchup
The Bears got the better of the Commanders in their last game at FedEx Field, winning 31-15 in a Week 3 Monday Night Football game. The team had much of the same issues that the 2023 squad has, as they both had early season offensive woes. Week 3 was the get-right game for the Bears in 2019; former QB Mitch Trubisky threw for 231 yards and three touchdowns, and former speedy wide receiver Taylor Gabriel was the one who pulled in the hat trick of TDs.
Other notable Chicago contributors were Khalil Mack, Danny Trevathan, and Kyle Fuller.
The two teams met in the playoffs seven times
It’s a rare occurrence when the Bears see the same opponent in the playoffs multiple times, but the Commanders have proven to be a formidable opponent in the NFC postseason race.
The two clubs have matched up in seven playoff games, with the Commanders having the slight edge in the single elimination games 4-3. Their last playoff matchup was in the 1987 Divisional Round, in which the Bears lost a close game to the Commanders 21-17. Chicago had more total yards than Washington, but they lost the turnover battle by losing the ball to their opponent three times. Super Bowl champion quarterback Jim McMahon was the sole reason for the turnovers, as he threw three interceptions in the contest.
Bears are hampered with injuries, but a key starter could return from IR
The Bears were lost on the defensive side of the ball as Denver made a jaw-dropping comeback to win in Week 4, and it looks as though the team will be without two defensive starters on Thursday night. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson and safety Eddie Jackson both did not practice, making their return to the field Thursday unlikely. Wide receiver Chase Claypool is being held out of Halas Hall after the strange circumstances of his absence last Sunday, and he’ll most likely not suit up for Week 5. But one player could be gearing up to make his long-awaited return.
It’s possible Chicago will get a much-needed boost to the offensive line, as starting guard Teven Jenkins has been designated to return from injured reserve and was listed as a full participant Monday and Tuesday during practice. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy kept the door open for Jenkins to start on Thursday, but it remains to be seen if that ends up happening.
