(670 The Score) Before Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels released his Hail Mary heave that went off Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson's fingertips and into receiver Noah Brown's arms for the last-second touchdown, a different script was set to play out last October.
Chicago was on the verge of improving to 5-2 with a road victory in Washington. Perhaps the Bears could've continued stacking victories in their 2024 season and pushed toward playoff contention under then-coach Matt Eberflus while then-rookie quarterback Caleb Williams gained comfort.
Instead, the Bears lost an 18-15 heartbreaker on a stunning Hail Mary dagger from which they never recovered.
That loss in Washington was the first of 10 in a row for Chicago. Stevenson was never held accountable inside Halas Hall for his final-play mental lapse, then heard boos upon returning to Soldier Field. Then-offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was dismissed just two weeks after the fateful Hail Mary. Eberflus was fired six losses into the skid. As for Williams, it was a challenge to navigate his first NFL season amid chaos.
On Monday, the Bears (2-2) will return to Northwest Stadium as a new team with a renewed opportunity against the Commanders (3-2) in primetime.
With a victory, the Bears would climb above .500 and build momentum under first-year head coach Ben Johnson's watch. They'd also put themselves in position to take advantage of a favorable portion of their schedule.
After facing the Commanders, the Bears will face four teams that currently have losing records – the Saints (1-4), Ravens (1-4), Bengals (2-3) and Giants (1-4). A year after their demise began with a devastating loss to the Commanders, perhaps the Bears could use the matchup as a crucial step in an ascension.
At the least, the Bears are in a better spot with the 23-year-old Williams, who has thrown for 927 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions in four starts this season, showcasing progress under Johnson's direction.
Daniels, the No. 2 overall pick right after Williams in the 2024 NFL Draft, was the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. His immediate success put more pressure on Williams to emerge.
Williams is now doing his part, and the narrative is centered on the success of both quarterbacks and their 2024 class.
“It’s a pretty badass class, right,” Williams told reporters Wednesday, pointing to a group that features six current starting quarterbacks selected in the top 12 picks in 2024.
“Obviously, I’ll be competing against these guys for a long time, and (I’m) excited about it.”
Even the 25-year-old Stevenson is a new man after his humiliating moment in Washington last year. Off the field, he’s now a first-time father who said playing for his son, Tyrique Jr., is all the motivation he needs. On the field, Stevenson is playing at a high level for the Bears, stepping in as their top cornerback in place of the injured Jaylon Johnson.
The Commanders took off in 2024 following their win over the Bears, going 12-5 and reaching the NFC Championship Game. Along the way, they upset the top-seeded Lions in the divisional round. Days later, Detroit lost Johnson, its offensive coordinator, to Chicago.
If that debacle in Washington last season was a turning point for the Bears, maybe this game can be too – one that helps lift the team toward success in 2025.
Emma's prediction (2-2): Commanders 28, Bears 20
The attention will be on the quarterbacks, but this contest will be decided by the ground games. The Bears have struggled to stop the run, and they're facing the NFL's top-ranked rushing offense. They also haven't gotten their own rushing attack going, ranking 24th in the league in yards per game. Washington will earn another win in this series, though in less dramatic fashion.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.