For the first time in 346 days, the Chicago Bears have a “1” in the win column. Thursday night in Virginia proved to be a great success for a team that had lost 14-straight games entering the contest.
Chicago defeated Washington 40-20 behind a big day from Justin Fields and D.J. Moore. The first overall NFL Draft pick completed 15-fo-29 passes for 282 yards and four touchdowns. Three of those scores came on eight catches for 230 yards by Moore, who was shipped north from Carolina during the offseason.
The Bears totaled 451 yards in the win, converted seven of 15 third down attempts, and moved the chains on their lone fourth down try. It wasn’t necessarily the best win on paper, but a win is a win.
Chicago desperately needed a win. Desperately.
Although the Bears won by 20 points on the road and got to turn up to Sexyy Red during their locker room party, there were still a few moments where fans had to cover their eyes and look away. One of which led to six points for the opponents.
The Chicago Bears tried a new pass rush technique, just not on purpose.
Washington went no huddle on 1st-and-10 from the Chicago 28-yard-line. Sam Howell took the snap from the shotgun, dropped back, and fired a bullet to Curtis Samuel for 25 yards.
Not only was it a first down, it set the Commanders up with 1st-and-goal from the three. They scored three plays later.
Howell had all day to throw because of a defensive mishap. The Bears began the play with just three down linemen and 10 players on the field.
6-foot-1, 311-pound defensive tackle Andrew Billings had to run onto the field after the snap. He showed great hustle, but it was too little, too late.
Billings was completely out of the play by the time that Howell released his throw.
A win is a win is a win. However, Chicago will have a lot of tape to learn from if it hopes to continue the positive momentum.
Congratulations to the Bears on their first win in almost a year. Perhaps they will not try to debut a new pass rush technique on a crucial drive during the fourth quarter moving forward.
Getting 11 players on the field in time for the play will be a key component to success in the future.