Sunday's Bears-Redskins game at FedEx Field figures to come down to football's fundamental objective: run the football and stop the run.
The Bears entered the game averaging 108.3 rushing yards (tied for 17th in the NFL), while the Redskins averaged 128 (10th).
Although the Redskins come in with a disappointing 1-4 record, their offense has shown flashes of improvement that correspond with the improving health of multi-talented quarterback Robert Griffin III.
The once-vaunted Bears defense has relied on its extraordinary takeaway ability to help forge a 4-2 record in the NFC North. The Bears are tied for second in the NFL with 17 takeaways and have scored four defensive touchdowns. But overall, the Bears defense ranks 23rd against the pass and 12th against the run.
The Redskins figure to test the Bears run defense with 5-10, 218-pound Alfred Morris. Bears coach Marc Trestman respects the sixth-round draft pick out of Florida Atlantic who rushed for 1,613 yards and 13 touchdowns last year as a rookie. This year he's 11th in the NFL with 377 rushing and three TDs.
'I really like Alfred Morris,' Trestman said. 'I think he's 'everybody's back' in terms of a guy you're always rooting for as a fan. We're not going to be rooting for him on Sunday obviously, but [he's] a guy who found a way to make it to the National Football League and sets the tone for what it means to be in the league with the way he plays.
'He plays hard, he plays fast; he's a relentless player. From a league standpoint, he's everybody's dream come true in terms of growing up and wanting to play in the league.'
Meanwhile the Bears will counter with Matt Forte, whose versatility as a runner and receiver makes him especially valuable. Not to mention his uncanny ability to pass block for quarterback Jay Cutler.
The Bears were counting on their patched-up defensive line to come through following season-ending injuries to Henry Melton and Nate Collins. Defensive tackle Stephen Paea was expected to return from a toe injury. Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Tillman, who missed last week's game against the Giants, also was set to return.
Rookie middle linebacker Jon Bostic was prepared to make his first NFL start in place of the injured D.J. Williams, who is out for the season with a torn pectoral.
As if containing Morris isn't a big enough challenge, the threat of RG3 returning to his rookie form as a runner keeps the entire Bears defense on notice.
Griffin has completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 1,448 yards and six TDs. He has thrown five interceptions and has an 80.4 passer rating while rushing for 149 yards.Washington's special teams units also appear vulnerable following the team's 31-16 loss to Dallas last Monday night.
'I am just a couple of blocks away from breaking one,' Bears kick return specialist Devin Hester said this week. 'We watch the film every week and we harp on it real hard...one or two mistakes from a 25-yard return to (becoming a) 98-yard return.'
The Bears, who are off next weekend, will be playing their only game in a 24-day stretch against the Redskins. They travel to Green Bay on Nov. 4 for a Monday night game.
Twitter @kicker34
Posted by Unknown on Sunday, October 20, 2013 - Rating: 4.5
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