As the Washington Commanders prepare for their Week 8 game against the Chicago Bears, all eyes are on who will score first, particularly with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels sidelined due to a rib injury. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota, who excelled in Washington’s recent 40-7 victory over Carolina, is ready to step in and lead the offense if Daniels remains out. The Bears’ defense ranks seventh in passing yards allowed (180 per game) and eleventh in rushing defense (112 yards per game), so breaking through will require adaptability and key players stepping up in the scoring department.
Kicker Austin Seibert tops the list of expected scorers. Since joining Washington in Week 2, Seibert has been highly consistent, amassing 76 points and setting a franchise record for most points in the season’s first seven games, surpassing Mark Moseley’s 1983 record. His accuracy makes him a strong candidate to put the Commanders on the board first. Running back Brian Robinson Jr., who leads with six rushing touchdowns and has 396 yards on 85 carries, is another contender for opening the scoring. As Washington’s lead back, Robinson Jr. presents a significant challenge to the Bears’ strong but somewhat vulnerable rushing defense.
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, nicknamed “Scary Terry,” completes the list of top scoring threats. McLaurin has scored four touchdowns this season and has become a go-to target, especially with Daniels out. For Mariota, McLaurin’s knack for creating separation and making tough catches under pressure could be vital as the Commanders aim to capitalize on weaknesses in Chicago’s secondary.
