Good luck plays just as big of a part in winning games in the NFL as good skills and good coaching. A lot of times it is catching opponents at the right time. The Chicago Bears have done that a few times in recent weeks. They faced the Los Angeles Rams without star receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Next, they beat down a Carolina Panthers team without its two best defenders, Derrick Brown and Shaq Thompson. Now it appears the winds of good fortune are blowing their way again.
Chicago has a bye this week, giving them a chance to rest and heal some of their injured players. Meanwhile, their next scheduled opponent, the Washington Commanders, was hit with some devastating news on Monday. Their star defensive tackle, Jonathan Allen, left Sunday’s game against Baltimore. Further examinations have revealed a torn left pectoral muscle. He will need surgery to repair it and will miss the rest of the season. Considering how essential he was to their defensive line, this loss can’t be overstated.
Washington’s defense was already mediocre, even with Allen in the lineup. They ranked 22nd in points allowed and 22nd in total yards. They boast the worst pass defense in the NFL through six weeks. Now, their best interior pass rusher is out of action. That is a gut punch. Replacing him is impossible. It may force head coach Dan Quinn and his staff to blitz more often, which is a bad proposition against Caleb Williams lately. He is now 32-of-55 for 330 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception when blitzed this season. The best way to combat the Chicago Bears quarterback is by pressuring him with four or less. If you’re forced to bring more, he will exploit it. Washington no longer has the horses with Allen out of the picture.
