LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — If fortune is with the Bears and Commanders, two organizations that have long struggled to have lasting success have found their franchise quarterbacks.
The Bears are the lone NFL franchise to never have had a 4,000-yard passer in a single season. The Commanders’ best quarterback seasons came from Kirk Cousins, but he didn't produce a playoff victory before departing Washington after the 2017 season. The franchise last won a postseason game in 2005.
Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has ignited hope in a city starved for quarterback success. Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, selected at No. 2 overall just after Williams, has brought the same belief to Washington.
On Sunday at Northwest Stadium, the Bears (4-2) and Commanders (5-2) will square off as two franchises on the rise.
“It’s been pretty cool watching him,” Williams said of Daniels. “His progress from Arizona State to LSU to now in the pros, balling out, he's been playing great over there with (Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury) and all the guys they have over there. Happy for him and great to see him balling out.
“(But the) job is to go win games on Thursdays, Sundays and Mondays. That's it.”
The excitement surrounding the potential matchup between the top two draft picks could be tempered by Daniels’ health. He suffered a rib injury during the Commanders’ 40-7 win over the Panthers on Sunday. Washington held Daniels out of practice Wednesday, and coach Dan Quinn previously called his health "week-to-week."
Daniels has thrown for 1,410 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions while also rushing for 372 yards and four scores in seven games. His 73.9 QBR ranks third in the NFL.
The Commanders will turn to veteran backup Marcus Mariota – coincidentally also a No. 2 overall pick back in 2015 – as the starter if Daniels is unable to play.
Washington is grateful that Daniels’ injury isn't considered a long-term issue. On their end, the Bears are working with a “contingency plan” for the Commanders’ quarterback situation, coach Matt Eberflus said, though the significance of a matchup between Williams and Daniels isn’t lost on the team.
“I do understand how highly touted those two were coming out,” Bears tight end Cole Kmet said. “I definitely get that aspect of it. I understand the storylines coming into this game of the (Nos.) 1 and 2 pick. That’s always a cool thing to have. And the two teams are doing well right now. Definitely a cool matchup and a game you want to play in.”
For Williams, Sunday will be a homecoming of sorts. He starred at Gonzaga College High School in Washington D.C. before heading off to the college ranks.
Williams and Daniels will be tied together as the first two selections in the draft and as the potential franchise quarterbacks for their teams, but Williams isn't getting caught up in the narratives.
“We’ll see from this game and in the future,” Williams said. “I think it’s going to be great for us, and the battle between us as (the media) wants to talk about. But my job is to go out there and win the game for the Chicago Bears.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.