5 sneaky threats the Commanders must restrict vs. Bears in Week 5

Commanders cannot overlook Roschon Johnson

The Chicago Bears' fourth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has played so well that he's rendered free-agent pickup D'Onta Foreman a healthy scratch for three consecutive weeks. Rookie Roschon Johnson merits his place in the pecking order because of how well he's reading blocks, pressing the edge, and finishing runs.

All three of those qualities showed up on this 29-yard scamper against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2, highlighted by Arye Pulli of The Sports Place. Something the Washington Commanders should also recognize as part of their own game-day preparations.

Johnson was tipped by many to be a sleeper during the pre-draft process, This was thanks in no small part to playing second-fiddle at Texas behind Bijan Robinson, who went to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8 overall.

That does not detract from the skills Johnson brings to the table. The Commanders' defense is struggling of late, so getting off to a fast start and containing Chicago's promising rushing tandem represents the primary key to victory in Week 5.

A one-two punch of Johnson and Herbert will test a Commanders' defensive front giving up a worrying 4.5 yards per carry. That number's too high for a unit with so many first-rounders manning the trenches, but the Bears won't make things any easier for Washington and its struggles stopping the run.