Game Preview, Week 6: Washington at Chicago
October 13, 2022
by Steve Thomas
With the home loss to the Tennessee Titans, Washington has officially begun its annual decent into the depths of football hell. Fortunately, the way to right the ship is before them, in the form of an away game on Thursday Night Football. That’s always gone well for the Redskins Washington Football Team Commanders them. Don’t get me wrong – the Bears stink, too, so it isn’t that far-fetched to think that Washington could get their act together for one game to steal a prime time victory. Given the team’s history, it’s not likely, but it is possible. To do that, alot needs to change, starting with offensive line play and offensive play calling. Can they do it? Can Ron Rivera stave off firing for one more week (hint: yes)? Can Washington produce any semblance of a running game at all? Stay tuned to find out.
Game time & location: Thursday, October 13, 2022, 8:15 p.m. ET, Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois; Gates open 5:15 p.m. CT; Parking lots open at 3:15 CT
Television: Amazon Prime
Television announcers: Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit, Kaylee Hartung
TV broadcast map: click here
DC-area radio: The Team 980
Washington radio network: click here
Bears radio network: click here
Satellite radio: SiriusXM: 226 (Wash. broad.); 88 (Nat’l broad.); internet: 831 (Wash. broad.)
Washington roster: click here
Washington depth chart: click here
Bears roster: click here
Bears depth chart: click here
All-time head-to-head record vs Bears: 22 – 21 – 1 (last 10: 7 – 3; streak: 0 – 1)
Last meeting: L, September 23, 2021, 15 – 31
Early odds: Bears, -1
3 KEYS TO THE GAME
Slow down the Bears’ running game
With quarterback Justin Fields performing at a league-bottom level, Chicago has to rely on its running game, and they are averaging 4.9 yards per carry, which is a full yard better than Washington. Keeping the Bears’ twin-attack of Khalil Herbert and David Montgomery in check means that Chicago would be forced to rely upon Fields’ passing skills to move their offense, and that’s good for Washington.
Offensive line needs to run block
Washington’s run game was essentially non-existent last week, and the team is third in the NFL in passes attempted. The team must become more balanced if they are ever going to find some sort of consistency and success. This effort begins and ends with the gawd-awful offensive line. It doesn’t seem likely, but the Bears defense is giving up an average of 4.9 yards per carry so far this season, so this is a pretty good week to start. Look for Brian Robinson to start to be more integrated in the game plan than he was last week.
Carson Wentz needs to have a breakout game
For his own good, not to mention that of the team, Wentz really needs to do well this week. Wentz going out and posting 300+ yards, a couple of touchdowns, and no interceptions would go a long way towards quieting the critics and social media keyboard warriors amongst the fanbase. At the end of the day, if Washington is going to be able to turn around the season and make it into something that isn’t horrible, it begins with Wentz.
3 KEY MATCHUPS
Cole Holcomb vs Khalil Herbert
Herbert is the guy who’s averaging 4.9 yards per carry on 56 attempts so far this season, and Holcomb is Washington’s lead linebacker and is leading the team in tackles. In my view, if Washington is going to keep Herbert somewhat under control, Holcomb will need to play a major role. Keep an eye out early on whether Holcomb’s name keeps getting called, and watch out for Herbert’s average in the first half.
Benjamin St-Juste vs Equanimeous St. Brown
St. Brown is a big guy – 6’5”, and St-Juste is Washington’s biggest corner, so he’s going to play a big role in covering St. Brown. The Bears don’t have much of a passing game this year thanks in large part to Fields’ limitations, but St. Brown is talented and is currently averaging more than 18 yards per catch. St-Juste has impressed this year, at least somewhat, so keep an eye on his battle with St. Brown.
Quinn is the Bears’ wily, old star veteran defensive end. Leno hasn’t been great this year, or even very good, but if the Chicago is going to get some pressure on Carson Wentz, it’s most likely going to come from Quinn. Watch out for how well Leno is doing against the 3x Pro Bowler and 2013 First-Team All Pro.
OFFICIAL INJURY REPORT (active roster only)
LP – limited practice FP – full practice DNP – did not practice
NIR – not injury related Q – questionable O – out
D – doubtful NL – not listed
| Washington | Bears |
| S P. Butler, quad; Mon: DNP; Tues: DNP | LB M. Adams, calf; Mon: DNP; Tues: to IR |
| T S. Cosmi, finger; Mon: DNP; Tues: DNP | WR N. Harry, ankle; Mon: IR; Tues: LP |
| WR J. Dotson, hamstring; Mon: DNP; Tues: DNP | DB D. Cruikshank, hamstring; Mon: FP; Tues: FP |
| TE L. Thomas, calf; Mon: LP; Tues: DNP | DB J. Johnson, quad; Mon: FP; Tues: FP |
| RB J. Williams, knee; Mon: DNP; Tues: DNP | |
| WR D. Brown, groin; Mon: LP; Tues: LP | |
| CB C. Holmes, hamstring; Mon: LP; Tues: LP | |
| CB W. Jackson III, back; Mon: FP; Tues: LP | |
| LB D. Mayo, hamstring; Mon: LP; Tues: LP | |
| QB C. Wentz, right shoulder; Mon: LP; Tues: LP |
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