Redskins vs. Bears: Preview, matchups to watch, score prediction, more
By Ian Cummings
Redskins offense vs. Bears defense
The Bears defense isn’t quite as dominant as it was in 2018, but that shouldn’t be the standard in this case. Why? Because the 2018 Bears defense was historically good. And even if the 2019 Bears defense isn’t *that* good, it’s still very, very good.
The numbers back that case up. While the 2018 Bears haven’t been as adept at generating turnovers, they’ve been getting to the quarterback quite a bit, and they’ve been suffocating drives from even the best quarterbacks. Aaron Rodgers’ Packers only scored 10 against Chicago in the NFL season debut, and the Broncos put up a measly 14 points, after Joe Flacco passed it 50 times.
The Bears defense, currently ranked No. 4 in the NFL in least yards allowed, forces an offense to work for their success, and so far, no one has cracked the code. It’ll be tough for the Redskins to break the trend. On the line, Akiem Hicks, Khalil Mack, Roy Robertson-Harris, and Leonard Floyd wreak havoc. In the linebacking core, Roquan Smith has the speed and physicality to be an eventual All-Pro. And the secondary, Kyle Fuller, Eddie Jackson, and Prince Amukamara feast on opportunities created by the front seven.
There are some weak points in Chicago; we all remember Ha Ha Clinton-Dix’s sorrowful stint in Washington D.C. But overall, this is a very good defensive unit, coached by Chuck Pagano, who still has his chops as a defensive coordinator. The plan will be to get pressure early against the Redskins line, and disrupt Case Keenum, whose volatility shows when he’s rushed. Terry McLaurin and other Redskins receivers will likely continue to find separation, but the Bears will make sure the ball doesn’t have the chance to reach them.