Washington Commanders (6-2) – Chicago Bears (4-3): 18-15
In this remote duel of the first two choices of the 2024 draft, two quarterbacks who shone with their offensive explosiveness in the NCAA, the spectacle instead transformed into a defensive war. We had to wait until the very end of the 3rd quarter to witness the first touchdown of the match.
And madness ended up hitting the federal capital. After a drive that we thought was the winner for the Bears, concluded with 23 seconds remaining, the Commanders went for an unexpected victory on a final pass already assured of being in the actions of the year.
Harmless bears
That's an understatement. On their first 7 possessions, Chicago punted 6 times and failed on a 4th attempt. The aerial balance at the break was 13 yards gained! The team punted more than it completed passes. The numbers are terrible. And if Caleb Williams (10/24, 131 yards) was particularly inaccurate, he was once again abandoned by his offensive line.
Despite this poor performance, the Bears managed the feat of staying alive in the match and constantly keeping victory within reach. Well helped by a defense which gave up a lot with more than 450 yards conceded, but never broke. Almost.
Washington does not conclude
With Jayden Daniels (21/38, 326 yards, 1 TD) hit in the ribs last week, and uncertain until this morning, the Commanders still managed to move the chains. But as too often since the start of the season, arriving in the zone of truth, Dan Quinn's men cannot conclude and limit themselves to chasing field goals. But by leaving with a limited score, the difference is not made. Despite a 12-point advantage heading into the final quarter, they ended up paying for this lack of realism.
A personal exploit from D'Andre Swift offered a 56-yard touchdown and completely revived Chicago. Despite a fumble lost by Caleb Williams, it is the Bears who are in a position of strength at the end of the match and in a position to go for the victory. Roschon Johnson scores with 23 seconds remaining. And Cole Kmet even adds 2 points on the transformation. Mass is necessarily said.
That's without counting on the dose of madness and magic that makes the NFL so special. With a handful of seconds to try for a field goal, the mission is impossible for a team incapable of scoring until then. With only 2 seconds left for a final play and too far for a kick, Jayden Daniels goes all out with an incredible 52 yard Hail Mary. He finds Noah Brown forgotten behind the pack of players. Completely crazy.
