The Washington Commanders (5-2) lead the Chicago Bears (4-2) 9-0 at halftime of their Week 8 showdown from Northwest Stadium.
The Bears began the game on offense, and Washington’s defense quickly made a statement, forcing a three-and-out on the first possession. Jayden Daniels took the field for the Commanders and, on their first drive, ran for a first down, showing no signs of the rib injury he suffered last week.
Washington’s running game was the story of the first drive. The team quickly moved down the field before stalling in the red zone, leading to an Austin Seibert field goal.
After another defensive stop, Daniels faced a third-and-long from deep in Washington territory and somehow managed to run for a first down and keep the drive alive. A few plays later, Daniels connected with wide receiver Terry McLaurin for a 61-yard completion inside the red zone.
Unfortunately, a penalty in the red zone pushed the Commanders back, and they had to settle for another field goal.
After Daniels led the Commanders deep into Chicago territory again, a 24-yard completion to Dyami Brown was wiped out when left guard Nick Allegretti was penalized for being downfield.
On third-and-4, it looked like Washington had its first touchdown when Daniels found tight end Zach Ertz in the corner of the end zone, but the officials ruled it incomplete, saying the ball moved when it hit the ground. Seibert kicked another field goal to make it 9-0.
The Bears had their best drive of the game and were in field-goal territory, but Washington’s pressure on quarterback Caleb Williams pushed them out of field-goal range and forced them to punt.
The Commanders’ first half was disappointing, as their offense outgained the Bears 267-90 but had to settle for three field goals. Washington’s defense was outstanding, creating consistent pressure on Williams and sacking him twice.
Daniels completed 10 of 19 passes for 154 yards in the first half, but the Commanders dropped four passes and had another big gain called back.
Daniels also rushed for 31 yards on three attempts. Brian Robinson Jr. led the Commanders with 50 yards on the ground.
Washington will receive the second-half kickoff.
