In this week's "Command Center" podcast, analysts Logan Paulsen, Santana Moss and Fred Smoot previewed why this Week 6 primetime Washington Commanders matchup against the Chicago Bears will attract eyes from across the country.
"This has quickly turned into a rivalry," Smoot said, reflecting on last year's win over the Bears where quarterback Jayden Daniels threw the game-winning, 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass to wide receiver Noah Brown to defeat the Bears 18-15.
Since that win back in Week 8 last season, Chicago hired a new staff, bringing in head coach Ben Johnson from the Detroit Lions to work with second-year quarterback and number one overall pick in the 2024 draft, Caleb Williams.
"I will say this, Ben Johnson does a great job, much like [Kliff Kingsbury] of knowing when to call a shot and those shots are devastating," Paulsen said.
Chicago averages 102.3 rush yards per game, 225.8 pass yards per game and 25.3 points per game. The Bears are just outside the top 10 in scoring offense this season, ranking 11th in the NFL after being 28th last season.
"When you look at Detroit, because that's where [Ben Johnson] came from, they get consistency by running the football," Paulsen said. "The offensive line is not good enough here. So, who's got to bring the consistency?"
Williams has put up 259.3 yards per game so far in 2025. As well as eight passing touchdowns, two giveaways and a rushing touchdown with a 62.3 completion percentage. This season, Chicago has a 2-2 record and is coming off a bye week.
"When you watch [Williams], he does some amazing stuff," Paulsen said. "Darts, different arm angles, scrambling, the whole thing, but then all of a sudden, he'll throw a ball and you're like, 'What the hell was that?' Not even bad decisions, but he threw a dig against [Dallas Cowboys] that literally bounced to the receiver."
Despite the occasional inconsistencies with Williams' throwing, which Moss cited were likely due to him rushing and being overly confident in his arm, Williams has shown growth from his rookie season. According to NextGenStats, in the first four games of 2024, he had a 31.6 passer rating on downfield throws. In the first four games of 2025, he had a 103.3 passer rating.
The Commanders will take on this upgraded Chicago offense on Monday night at 8:15 p.m. at Northwest Stadium.
