REDSKINS (7-6-1) VS. BEARS (3-11)
SATURDAY, 1 P.M. ET, SOLDIER FIELD, CHICAGO uTV: FOX, DIRECTV 710
Announcers: Dick Stockton, David Diehl, Kristina Pink
About the Redskins: After losing to the Carolina Panthers, they are out of playoff position. Quarterback who could be two games from a huge payday, has totaled at least two touchdown passes in 10 of his last 12 games with multiple turnovers in a game just three times this season. He ranks third in the NFL in passing yardage but had two turnovers and zero touchdown passes against the Panthers.
About the Bears: Despite losing to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, QB
again showed resolve, erasing a 17point fourth-quarter deficit and putting his team within 4 yards of a potential game-winning touchdown in the final 90 seconds. But coach opted for a game-tying field goal, which left the Packers enough time to pull off the latest dramatic comeback victory in the NFL’s oldest rivalry. Barkley also committed four turnovers on consecutive series to dig the Bears too deep of a hole. Rookie running back went over the 1,000-rushing yard mark with another strong performance, but without NT
(ankle), the Bears yielded a season-high 226 rushing yards.
In his first action since a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performanceenhancing drugs, Jeffery tallied 89 yards and a touchdown but was held without a catch until the fourth quarter. Norman has played well and has increasingly been asked to match up with the opposition’s best.
In two career games vs. Chicago, Reed has averaged nine catches for 127 yards and a touchdown. He is becoming more confident but also experiencing pain after separating a shoulder on Thanksgiving. Despite 6 receiving yards against Carolina, Reed is a matchup problem, particularly for Chicago’s inexperienced inside linebackers and safeties. His health and production are key to Washington’s
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
postseason ambitions.
The Bears’ total of 10 takeaways is tied for last in the NFL and seven fewer than their franchise low of 17, set last season. With the No. 4 draft pick, they’ll again covet playmakers and finishers defensively.
KEYS TO THE GAME
1. Tackling trouble: Missed tackles were at the root of the Bears’ worst run-defense performance of the season. Powerful rookie RB presents another big challenge, as he’s adept at breaking tackles and gaining yards after contact. Since averaging 107 rushing yards in his first three starts, Kelley has been limited to a total of 171 in his last four.
From Reed to to Washington brims with explosive players. Despite poor safety play from and rookie the Bears had limited big plays before yielding eight 20-plus-yard plays, including CB getting beat on a 60-yarder to Jordy Nelson on Sunday’s decisive down.
3. Maximizing studs: Washington has done a great job spreading the ball around; Chicago struggles to consistently use its best options. Jeffery received two targets until the fourth quarter, one week after Howard received only 13 carries. To hang with Cousins and Co., Barkley and Bears offensive coordinator must lean more on their two studs.
Arthur Arkush