Ben Johnson Admits Jayden Daniels Inspires ‘Fear’ Ahead of Commanders Game
The Chicago Bears mission Week 6 — and they’ve got no choice but to accept it — is to contain reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels.
Last October, the Commanders quarterback beat the Bears with a last-second 52-yard heave to Noah Brown, capping a night in which he went 21-of-38 for 326 yards and a touchdown, plus 52 rushing yards. The “Fail Mary,” as it became known, completely changed Chicago’s season, and now, they have an opportunity to get Washington back — but it won’t be easy.
A year later, Daniels looks just as dangerous, and Washington’s offense is humming. After missing time early, Daniels returned in Week 5 to throw for 231 yards in a 27–10 win over the L.A. Chargers, while the ground game is rolling behind rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Now under new head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears are looking to flip the script, but Johnson know his team will have its hands full with Daniels.
Bears HC Ben Johnson Comments on Washington QB Jayden Daniels: ‘He’s Dangerous’
GettyBears coach Ben Johnson said some very good things about Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.
“He’s dangerous,” Johnson said about Daniels heading into the matchup. “I think that’s a big reason why their running game is what it is. He strikes a lot of fear in opposing coaches, because you look at him, you’ve got to account for him. Not just as an accurate passer, not just as a scrambler, but the quarterback driven run game that they do a lot of. He’s fast, slippery — it’s going to take all 11 guys playing disciplined football to make sure we contain their attack.”
Chicago is allowing 29.3 points per game through four games (that’s 28th in the NFL) but they’re ranked 31st against the run, allowing 164.5 yards per game. With Daniels and the Commanders ranked first in rushing (156.4 yards per game), the Bears could be in big trouble — but Johnson’s not overlooking Daniels’ arm, either.
“Jayden’s an extremely accurate thrower of the football,” the Bears coach said. “Something that I think is overlooked when you look at him because he is so dynamic with his legs, and he hurts teams so much on the ground as well.”
Return of DB Kyler Gordon Should Give Bears Defense Huge Boost
The return of Kyler Gordon should be a huge help for the Bears. Chicago’s top nickel corner is expected back Monday night, and his presence alone should give Daniels something extra to worry about.
Gordon gives defensive coordinator Dennis Allen more flexibility in how he’ll attack Washington’s offense. Allen’s scheme leans on disguised coverages and simulated pressures, and Gordon’s instincts and range will allow Chicago to mix its looks without exposing soft spots underneath. He’s also heck of a weapon as a blitzer off the edge.
“Hopefully it allows us to unlock a few things on defense,” Johnson said about Gordon’s return.
“He’s one of our bigger playmakers. I’ve got a lot of experience being on the opposing sideline from him and ton of respect of how he can impact the game. I think there’s only a handful of nickels in this league that you really have to account for both as a coverage player, but also a guy that likes to be nosy on the run game and could be part of the solution for us here in terms of shoring up our run game as well.”
It’s clear Johnson and company revere Daniels’ game a great deal. We’ll see if they can do enough to beat him this time around.
Buccaneers Get Crushing Injury Update for 49ers Game
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin and running back Rachaad White.
When it comes to injuries, it appears there is only bad news on the horizon for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The latest blow might be the most disheartening to date as news broke that NFL All-Pro wide receiver Chris Godwin reportedly won’t play against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 6.
“Bucs WR Chris Godwin (fibula) is not expected to play Sunday vs. 49ers, per source,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote on his official X account on Friday, October 10.
Godwin missed the last 10 games of the 2024 season and the first 3 games of the 2025 regular season as he recovered froma dislocated left ankle.
In the 2 games since his return, Godwin has just 6 receptions for 52 yards — 3 receptions and 26 yards in both a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4 and in a road win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5.
“Chris Godwin is now NOT expected to play this week. Very interesting,” Dr. Jeff Mueller wrote on his official X account. “Hardware from his prior surgeries may be causing irritation because otherwise, fibula is a unique/specific injury designation.”
Bucs May Have Let Godwin Come Back Too Soon
Godwin was never placed on injury reserve this season due to the Buccaneers believing they would benefit more from having him practice the first 4 weeks and continue to recover from his injury with the thought he might play his first game in Week 5 against the Seahawks.
That’s why it was a surprise to see Godwin back against the Eagles — possibly giving in to the emotion of wanting to make his debut for a huge home game against the defending Super Bowl champions.
“Godwin hasn’t practiced this week and looked limited for much of the Seattle game,” NFL reporter Greg Auman wrote on his official X account on October 10. “More Shepard, more Tez vs. 49ers on Sunday.”
One thing the Buccaneers might have going for them is that the 49ers are just as badly hurt as them now, if not more so.
“Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., Bucky Irving, Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison all in serious doubt for Sunday (against 49ers),” 10 Tampa Bay TV’s Evan Closky wrote on his official X account. “The Niners injury report is simply too long.”
Rookie Has Become WR1 for Buccaneers
Not having Godwin on the field against the 49ers would mean the Buccaneers will be without all 3 of their projected starting wide receivers for the first time this season.
NFL All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans is expected to miss his second consecutive game with a hamstring injury. Second year wide receiver Jalen McMillan isn’t expected back until Week 10 and has yet to play this season with a severe neck sprain.
Fortunately for the Buccaneers, they’re off to a 4-1 start thanks to the brilliant play of 2025 first round pick and rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.
Egbuka, the No. 19 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, is fourth in the NFL in receiving through 5 games — his first 5 NFL games — with 25 receptions for 445 yards and 5 touchdowns.
“Emeka Egbuka is the 3rd player since 1970 with 425+ receiving yards and 5+ rec TD through 5 career games along with Randy Moss and Ja’Marr Chase,” CBS Sports researcher Doug Clawson wrote on X on October 5.
