The Chicago Bears mission Week 6 — and they’ve got no choice but to accept it — is to contain reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels.
Last October, the Commanders quarterback beat the Bears with a last-second 52-yard heave to Noah Brown, capping a night in which he went 21-of-38 for 326 yards and a touchdown, plus 52 rushing yards. The “Fail Mary,” as it became known, completely changed Chicago’s season, and now, they have an opportunity to get Washington back — but it won’t be easy.
A year later, Daniels looks just as dangerous, and Washington’s offense is humming. After missing time early, Daniels returned in Week 5 to throw for 231 yards in a 27–10 win over the L.A. Chargers, while the ground game is rolling behind rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Now under new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears are looking to flip the script, but Johnson know his team will have its hands full with Daniels.
Bears HC Ben Johnson Comments on Washington QB Jayden Daniels: ‘He’s Dangerous’
GettyBears coach Ben Johnson said some very good things about Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
“He’s dangerous,” Johnson said about Daniels heading into the matchup. “I think that’s a big reason why their running game is what it is. He strikes a lot of fear in opposing coaches, because you look at him, you’ve got to account for him. Not just as an accurate passer, not just as a scrambler, but the quarterback driven run game that they do a lot of. He’s fast, slippery — it’s going to take all 11 guys playing disciplined football to make sure we contain their attack.”
Chicago is allowing 29.3 points per game through four games (that’s 28th in the NFL) but they’re ranked 31st against the run, allowing 164.5 yards per game. With Daniels and the Commanders ranked first in rushing (156.4 yards per game), the Bears could be in big trouble — but Johnson’s not overlooking Daniels’ arm, either.
“Jayden’s an extremely accurate thrower of the football,” the Bears coach said. “Something that I think is overlooked when you look at him because he is so dynamic with his legs, and he hurts teams so much on the ground as well.”
Return of DB Kyler Gordon Should Give Bears Defense Huge Boost
The return of Kyler Gordon should be a huge help for the Bears. Chicago’s top nickel corner is expected back Monday night, and his presence alone should give Daniels something extra to worry about.
Gordon gives defensive coordinator Dennis Allen more flexibility in how he’ll attack Washington’s offense. Allen’s scheme leans on disguised coverages and simulated pressures, and Gordon’s instincts and range will allow Chicago to mix its looks without exposing soft spots underneath. He’s also heck of a weapon as a blitzer off the edge.
“Hopefully it allows us to unlock a few things on defense,” Johnson said about Gordon’s return.
“He’s one of our bigger playmakers. I’ve got a lot of experience being on the opposing sideline from him and ton of respect of how he can impact the game. I think there’s only a handful of nickels in this league that you really have to account for both as a coverage player, but also a guy that likes to be nosy on the run game and could be part of the solution for us here in terms of shoring up our run game as well.”
It’s clear Johnson and company revere Daniels’ game a great deal. We’ll see if they can do enough to beat him this time around.
Ben Johnson Admits Jayden Daniels Inspires ‘Fear’ Ahead of Commanders Game