The eagerly anticipated showdown between the top two selections in the 2024 NFL Draft is under a cloud. Jayden Daniels' rib injury has thrown everything into doubt. This is a blow to fans, the franchise, and CBS, who flexed the game given the impressive start made by both the Washington Commanders and Chicago Bears.
Whether Daniels takes the field or not is moot for Washington's defense. There are no such concerns around Bears signal-caller Caleb Williams, who's been impressive over the last month after navigating some expected initial turbulence.
Williams is embarking on a homecoming and wants to put on a show against the team he supported as a boy. He'll also see this as an opportunity to enhance momentum versus a defense that's been inconsistent overall in 2024.
There were signs of life from Joe Whitt Jr.'s unit in Week 7. It was only the Carolina Panthers, but it's a solid foundation from which to build nonetheless. Counteracting the supreme threat Williams brings to the table is a different proposition entirely. It's also worth remembering how many outstanding offensive playmakers Chicago has at its disposal.
Daron Payne confident Commanders' defense can restrict Caleb Williams
Daron Payne is looking forward to the challenge. The defensive tackle is emerging into a strong leadership presence without Jonathan Allen to depend upon, turning in arguably his best performance of the season last time out. He believes stopping the run and keeping Williams in the pocket is the key to success for Washington in Week 8.
"We have to just talk about everything. Even though we had a good game, there are still little pieces that we can improve on. We've just gotta try and take that into this week. He [Caleb Williams] is a playmaker. He can make some plays with his feet, so we've just gotta bottle him up. Contain their run game. They've got some explosive running backs and they like to do good things with those guys. If we set violent edges and contain the quarterback we should have a good day on Sunday."
- Daron Payne via Scott Abraham/X
Williams' ability to improvize and make plays off-platform is something that set him apart from almost any other quuarterback in college football. The comparisons to Patrick Mahomes were a little far-fetched, but this could be the franchise quarterback Chicago has been seeking for generations. And it all came thanks to the Panthers after they traded up to No. 1 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft for Bryce Young.
Whitt will have a plan to restrict Williams. Payne will play an integral role, especially considering the Bears' offensive line wouldn't be classed as formidable by any stretch of the imagination.
This is a potential weak link the Commanders can exploit. They're not a terrible unit by any stretch. It does become vulnerable when early momentum can't be generated. Testing them right out of the gate and giving Williams something he's not anticipating will be the best possible route to a sixth victory of the campaign.
If Daniels cannot suit up, which is a genuine possibility after being extremely limited in practice this week, Payne and the defense must be counted upon more than ever. If there was ever a chance to make a statement versus a high-powered offense, it's now.
