The Redskinny: Week 7 vs. Chicago Bears

Redskinny: Chicago Bears

Welcome back to "The Redskinny," a weekly preview of the local professional football team's upcoming game and opponent. Every Thursday, you can find any and all information* about the Redskins' next opponent in this space.

(*Sometimes, it may be some or most information.)

Here comes Week 7

Week 7 opponent: Chicago Bears (4-2)

Game information: Sunday, Oct. 20  -- FedEx Field -- 1:00 p.m. -- FOX

Last week: The Redskins were on the losing end of a 31-16 game to the Cowboys where special teams woes were at the forefront, while the Bears beat the Giants 27-21 back on Oct. 10, but then again, who is not beating the Giants at this point?

What's the skinny?: As I pointed out earlier, the story of Washington's loss to Dallas was the less-than-stellar special teams play. The Redskins' unit allowed Dwayne Harris to accumulate 222 total return yards, including an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown.

So who better to work out the kinks against than Devin Hester, arguably the most successful and dangerous return man in NFL history? He has a league-record 18 touchdown returns, but has not had one in his last 28 games. He is very much due.

Elsewhere, the key to any game against the Bears is taking care of the ball. Two weeks ago, the Saints snapped the Bears' 10-game run of forcing at least one turnover and they lost. Then last week, they intercepted Eli Manning three times -- returning one for a touchdown -- and they won. Chicago is 17-1 in its last 18 games when forcing at least three turnovers. The Bears force their turnovers through the air (nine interceptions, second-most) and forcing fumbles (13, also second-most), eight of which they have recovered. They, however, do not pressure the quarterback, having only registered eight sacks, 30th in the NFL.

Statistic Of The Week: With a loss, the Redskins will drop to 0-3 at FedEx Field, which would mark the first time in 15 years that they opened their home schedule with three consecutive losses. 

What The 'Skins Are Saying:

“This team is a world away from when I first got here. Even though the record might not show it. It’s a way more talented team, a better focused team, a team that’s more equipped to win. I honestly think we are better than when we were three games below .500 last year."

- Barry Cofield

What The Bears Are Saying:

"Discount DAAAA-ble check."

- Bears fans everywhere


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