Key numbers from Commanders' humiliating loss vs. the Bears in Week 5

What were the key numbers behind a humiliating primetime loss for the Washington Commanders against the Chicago Bears in Week 5?

Yes, the Washington Commanders made some noise in the second half. Enough to turn the resounding boos from a sold-out crowd to temporary chants of, "Let's go Redskins."

Boy, was that short-lived.

A missed field goal by Joey Slye that would have cut the Chicago Bears' lead to seven followed by a 56-yard touchdown pass from Justin Fields to D.J. Moore ended any hopes of a comeback. The Commanders' faithful were silenced and chants of, "Let's go Bears" could be heard throughout the stands.

The worst part, this is par for the course for Washington under Ron Rivera. Starting slow, giving up big plays, the bend-but-don't-break defense, and second-half comebacks that fall short. Rinse and repeat - that is what we have been seeing for four years.

And it needs to end.

It's hard to win a game when you spot the opposing team a 24-point half-time lead.

It's hard to win a game when you allow a team that came in with a 14-game losing streak to shove it down your throat by scoring on all five of their first-half possessions.

It's hard to win when your vaunted defensive front four can't get consistent pressure on the second-most sacked quarterback in the NFL.

It's hard to win when your cornerback - who came in with the lowest pass rating allowed in the league - and your rookie - who was pegged as a sure thing - get burned over and over and over again.

Yes, it's clear that Eric Bieniemy's offense has potential. Yes, it's clear to see that Sam Howell has the opportunity to become the quarterback this franchise has been waiting for.

But Jack Del Rio's defense continues to hold the team back. Meanwhile, Rivera is somewhere standing with his arms folded being passive-aggressive. That isn't a winning formula.

Let's take a look at key numbers from the Commanders' 40-20 loss to the Bears.

The Good: Sam Howell continues to make franchise throws

388: Sam Howell had the first 300-plus yard game of his career, completing 72.5 percent of his passes for 388 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Yes, he held on to the ball too long in some spots and was very late on the throw that was picked off, but the former fifth-rounder is continuing to make strides week after week.

The touch he showed on his throw to Terry McLaurin in the fourth-quarter was a thing of beauty.

62: After giving up 307 yards of offense in the first half, the Washington Commanders' defense allowed just 62 net yards of offense to the Chicago Bears in the third quarter, resulting in zero points.

91.6: Howell went 11-12 in the 3rd quarter, completing 91.6 percent of his passes and leading two scoring drives and one that had potential, if not for a Logan Thomas fumble. He had long completions of 24 and 41 yards and even showed his versatility, turning a would-be sack into a gain of 10 on third-and-12.

11: Howell completed passes to 11 different players in the game, showing the sheer level of offensive playmakers the Commanders have at their disposal.

The Bad: Commanders defense remains a weak link

32: Much was said about the Washington Commanders' defense this offseason, and as has been the case in previous seasons, it was all talk. This defense is allowing 32 points per game, which would put them as the second-worst in the league after the Denver Broncos.

346: With their loss, the Commanders allowed the Chicago Bears to pick up their first win in 346 days. They had lost 14 straight games. That streak is over.

The Bears had given up at least 25 points per game over the last 14 contests. That streak also over.

199-12: The first quarter was an embarrassment as the Bears finished with 199 net yards of offense compared to 12 for the Commanders. Chicago had seven first downs and scored 10 points compared to Washington's goose egg in both categories.

Justin Fields finished with 145 passing yards in the first quarter, the most for a Bears quarterback since 2011.

307: The Bears finished with 307 first-half yards, which is more than their 305.3 per-game average. It's the first time they had 300-plus yards of offense in the first half since 2018.

Kendall Fuller, who came in as the top cornerback - allowing a passer rating of just 26.5 when targeted - was torched by D.J. Moore throughout the game.

10: The Commanders' defense gave up 10 explosive plays in the game, including passes of 20, 23, 32, 39, 56, and 58 yards, and runs of 10, 14, 16, and 34 yards. The Bears had their longest completion and the longest run of the season against this "top-tier" defense.

That much-heralded rookie cornerback? Well, he was benched in the third quarter.

46.6: The Bears came in converting 38 percent of their third downs and were able to convert on 46.6% of their attempts against the Commanders. However, what makes it worse is what they did on those third downs.

The Commanders gave up a 58-yard reception on third-and-9, a 20-yard touchdown pass on third-and-14, an 11-yard touchdown pass on third-and-6, a 16-yard run on third-and-7, and a 56-yard touchdown pass on third-and-2.

Laughable.

The bend-but-don't-break defense officially broke. Moore had a career game back in the state where he starred in college, finishing with eight receptions for 230 receiving yards, three touchdowns, and a perfect passer rating when targeted.

There isn't too much worse than being embarrassed on national television while having your sold-out crowd boo the home team. Sam Howell for one is staying optimistic.

Yes, this result won't define the team. But it's clear big improvements are needed.