Nick's game notebook: Bears lose heartbreaking rollercoaster on Hail Mary

LANDOVER, Md. – After a week full of gamesmanship from the Commanders, Jayden Daniels played through a rib injury that ended his day last Sunday against the Panthers.

From Northwest Stadium in Landover, let’s go whistle to whistle from my perspective.

First Quarter

• Well, the Bears couldn’t have started the game any worse than they did. Caleb Williams was sacked on second down and then there was a delay of game. Another slow start.
• Defensively, the Bears bended, like they have done many times this season, but held strong in the red zone. After Gervon Dexter Sr. went down with an injury, Byron Cowart came up with a big tackle for loss, and then Montez Sweat had a big-time pressure on on third down. Commanders were forced to kick a field goal.
• Caleb Williams has had some off-target throws through the first two drives.
• Like a broken record, the Bears defense gives up yards, including a 61-yard reception to Terry McLaurin, but still manages to keep Washington to just a field goal.
• The Bears ended the first quarter with no points. This has been a common trend with the offense. The unit has only scored 10 points all season in the first quarter.

Second Quarter

• Third-and-2 and Williams had to avoid pressure and ended up sliding for a gain of one yard. Bears forced to punt for the third-straight time.
• The defense forced its first punt of the game. Terell Smith was in for Tyrique Stevenson on the drive. After watching the following drive, it appears it’s a rotation. Stevenson had a clutch pass breakup in the end zone on Zach Ertz to force another field goal for the Commanders.
• There is nothing working for the Bears on offense. The O-line hasn’t given Williams time to throw. Williams has missed throws. It’s everything and it’s caused the defense to be on the field for the majority of the first half. The offense needs to show up if the Bears don’t want to get blown out.

Third Quarter

• Half time is never long enough to go and get food. Sesame seed chicken and wild rice with a bottled water was lunch.
• After the Bears offense punted two straight times and the defense forced a three and out against the Commanders, we finally got our first touchdown. D’Andre Swift is an explosive playmaker and when he gets in space, good things happen. Kiran Amegadjie had a key block on the 56-yard touchdown run.

Fourth Quarter

• Momentum was flowing in the Bears’ direction to start the fourth quarter. The Commanders put together another promising drive but had to settle for a field goal again. This time, though, Austin Seibert missed his 51-yard attempt.
• But the Bears went three-and-out afterwards.
• The Commanders and Bears decide to have a punt battle.
• If you thought the pitch play against the Colts was bad, well, Doug Kramer fumbling a handoff at the 1-yard line might take the lead spot for worst Bears play of this season. I can’t believe Shane Waldron actually dialed that play up for an offensive lineman to carry the ball. Probably should’ve kept Khari Blasingame on the roster. Just saying.
• Still, the Bears forced another three-and-out and somehow got the ball back one last time.
• Chicago goes on a 10-play, 62-yard drive and takes the lead on a 1-yard Roschon Johnson touchdown run. Cole Kmet converts on the two-point conversion.
• You know how this game ended. We really don’t have to get into it at this point.

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