Commanders capitalize on discarded Bears players to accelerate their rebuild journey
The Commanders have made significant strides in their rebuild journey, capitalizing on missed opportunities by the Chicago Bears. Now in their second season of restructuring, the Commanders reached the NFC title game last year and boast a promising 3-2 record as they prepare to face the Bears. The Bears, on the other hand, are in the fourth year of their rebuilding process, facing setbacks partly due to decisions involving key talents now thriving with the Commanders.
Key Decisions and Their Impact
Dan Quinn joined the Commanders as head coach last year, leading the team to an eight-win improvement. Quinn was a top candidate for the Bears’ coaching position in 2022, but the Bears opted for Matt Eberflus, culminating in a 14-32 record and his dismissal in November. Quinn’s proven track record includes success with the Falcons and extensive experience as an NFL coordinator, positioning him as a crucial figure in the Commanders’ successful transformation.
Offensive Coordination: A Missed Opportunity
The Bears also bypassed offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who instead joined the Commanders. After Luke Getsy’s unsatisfactory tenure, the Bears interviewed Kingsbury but ultimately selected Shane Waldron, who was terminated after just nine games. Kingsbury subsequently earned top-10 recognition for Assistant Coach of the Year, highlighting the potential missed by the Bears.
Quarterback Comparison
- Jayden Daniels: Commanders’ quarterback, distinguished by a 100.1 passer rating and 69% completion rate.
- Caleb Williams: Bears’ quarterback, high expectations but impeded by inadequate support, leading to a challenging rookie season.
Daniels excelled in his debut season, surpassing Williams in completion percentage, passer rating, and touchdown passes. In the playoffs, Daniels continued to impress, leading to two wins on his record. Williams, meanwhile, struggled due to the Bears’ inadequate offensive line and coaching, finishing 33rd in completion percentage and 24th in passer rating.
Bears’ More Recent Adjustments
Despite the past missteps, the Bears have taken steps toward improvement, including reinforcing their offensive line and introducing Ben Johnson as head coach. This environment might better support Williams’ development, but the missed opportunities have delayed their progress.
Conclusion: Commanders Lead the Way
In essence, the Bears find themselves trailing the Commanders due to pivotal decisions in coaching and player selection. While it’s possible Williams could grow into a star, Daniels is already making a mark as one. The Commanders’ effective strategies put pressure on the Bears to learn swiftly from their past and implement more successful approaches.
