The Chicago Bears defeated the Washington Commanders, 25-24, on Monday Night Football. It was Chicago’s third consecutive win this season as they come off their early bye week.
This was a team win in every sense as all three phases contributed to the last-second victory. The offense finally found its run game (where D’Andre Swift had his best outing as a Bear), the defense continued to force turnovers (three takeaways, including a fumble recovery with three minutes left) and special teams stepped up with backup kicker Jake Moody connecting on 4-of-5 field goals, including the 38-yard game-winner.
Here’s a look at the best and worst from the Bears offense and defense following Monday’s Week 6 win:
Best offense grades
The Bears offensive line had a couple of standout performers, starting with left guard Joe Thuney and right tackle Darnell Wright. They helped protect quarterback Caleb Williams while also getting the run game going for the first time this season. D’Andre Swift had his best game since joining the Bears, where he led the team in rushing (14 carries, 108 yards) and receiving (two catches, 67 yards, one touchdown) while playing a key role in the win. Rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III continues to impress in his limited opportunities, where he caught all four passes thrown his way for 51 yards. Tight end Cole Kmet had just one catch for zero yards, but he excelled in pass protection and run blocking.
Best defense grades
The linebacker duo of T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds was key for the defense in this win. Edwards, playing in just his second game this season, totaled nine tackles while Edmunds led the team with 13 total tackles. Edwards and Edmunds played a key role in the run defense’s success, which only allowed 124 yards (the best they’ve been this season). Safety Kevin Byard continues to be the star of the secondary, totaling six tackles including one tackle for loss. He was solid across the board in tackling, coverage and run defense. Montez Sweat was a force against the run, where he totaled three tackles and registered a pass breakup. Meanwhile, linebacker D’Marco Jackson stepped in for an injured Noah Sewell as the third linebacker and fared well, totaling two tackles and earning high marks in tackling and coverage.
Worst offense grades
Quarterback Caleb Williams didn’t have his best game in prime time, but he also did enough to help the team win. Williams completed 17-of-29 passes for 252 yards with one touchdown, zero turnovers and three sacks. He was especially clutch in the fourth quarter, which is where he shines the most, including leading the Bears on a touchdown drive and the game-winning field goal drive. Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus didn’t have his best outing with Chicago. OZ two catches for 24 yards on six targets, including one brutal drop that would’ve been a massive gain for the offense. Right guard Jonah Jackson continues to be the weak link on the offensive line. While he thrived in pass protection, he struggled in run blocking on a night where the Bears found their run game for the first time. Theo Benedet made his first start at left tackle in place of Braxton Jones, and he had a solid outing. He was a huge part of the run game’s success but could have done better in pass protection.
Worst defense grades
Jonathan Ford, who saw an expanded role with Grady Jarrett sidelined, was the team’s lowest-graded player. Ford struggled across the board in tackling, run defense and pass rush. Safety Jonathan Owens, who saw just three snaps on defense, totaled three tackles and struggled in coverage. Cornerback Nahshon Wright (five tackles, including one tackle for loss, one pass breakup) struggled early, but he redeemed himself by recovering a fumble with three minutes remaining that ultimately led to the game-winning field goal. Cornerback Kyler Gordon made his season debut after missing extensive time with a hamstring injury, and it was an up-and-down showing. Gordon, who totaled two tackles, was marked down in coverage and pass rush but marked up in tackling and run defense. Defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo, who totaled two tackles, was marked down in run defense and pass rush.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears PFF grades: Best, worst players from Week 6 win vs. Commanders
Reporting by Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
