Chicago Bears coach has Dak Prescott message before Cowboys game 2 NFL: Chicago Bears Training Camp Jul 23, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen speaks during training camp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears biggest challenge coming out of bye revealed

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Oct 6, 2025 1:51 PM ET

The Chicago Bears entered their bye in Week 5 with momentum after winning two consecutive games, including their first win on the road in September since 2020. The Bears have a chance to go above .500 when they play the Washington Commanders on “Monday Night Football.”

The Commanders are 3-2 after knocking off the Los Angeles Chargers 27-10 on the road. Washington gashed the Chargers tough run defense, running for 163 yards and two touchdowns on 28 attempts.

The Commanders rushing attack with quarterback Jayden Daniels and rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt will present a challenge for the Bears on Monday night.

Per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears ranked the worst against the run in the first four weeks, giving up 164.5 yards to opponents per game, and 6.15 yards per rush, on pace for the worst run defense in franchise history.

The Chicago Bears’ biggest challenge is on defense

Giving up chunk plays is Chicago’s biggest issue.

“This is where it’s really an issue for the Bears,” Biggs said of allowing big plays in the run game. “Their overall run numbers are poor because they’re getting hit for too many big plays. They have surrendered 17 explosive runs (10 or more yards), the second-most in the league through Week 4 ahead of only the Buffalo Bills (21). By comparison, the Jacksonville Jaguars allowed only two.”

The Bears are set to be healthier coming out of the bye. Chicago defensive end Austin Booker and cornerback Kyler Gordon should be ready to go after missing the early schedule. Those players should help, but the Bears need to be better at understanding their fundamentals.

The defense was expected to have some growing pains in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s first season with the team. The Bears should show progress after having an extra week to work on tackling and understanding assignments.

How the Bears play against the Commanders on Monday could foreshadow how far this team can go in Year 1 of head coach Ben Johnson.

NFL: Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson on the field against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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