Football Gods Throw Justin Fields A Lifeline In Do-Or-Die Game

Things look bleak for Justin Fields. The Chicago Bears quarterback came so close to silencing some of his critics on Sunday with a stellar performance against the Denver Broncos. He threw for over 300 yards and four touchdowns. However, everything came crashing down when the Bears allowed 24 unanswered points to fall 31-28. That collapse was fed by two catastrophic turnovers in the 4th quarter by Fields. His team is now 0-4 with their playoff hopes on life support. A loss on Thursday night to Washington would likely spell the end for head coach Matt Eberflus and him as well.

One reason Bears fans are pessimistic about the outcome is the Commanders' defensive line. It's loaded with multiple 1st round picks, all of whom have performed well this season. They abused Chicago in their meeting last season. The Bears already don't have left tackle Braxton Jones. It's hard to imagine they can withstand the onslaught to come. Well, there might be a sliver of hope on the way. Word came down that left guard Teven Jenkins is ready for action after four weeks on IR. He will play.

Jenkins can provide Justin Fields some hopeful stability.

He might be their best offensive lineman. Losing him to a calf injury before the season was a gut punch. Having him back just in time for this game could prove vital, at least from Fields' perspective. Jenkins held his own quite well against Washington last year, allowing only two pressures in 42 snaps. His return to left guard likely means Cody Whitehair will shift back to center where the Bears originally planned to have him. He was injured and did not play in the Commanders game last year. Together with an improving Nate Davis and Darnell Wright, their front may not be as helpless as some think.

The big wild card is Larry Borom. He's serviceable as a backup left tackle for Jones, but this is the toughest matchup he will face this season. Montez Sweat and Chase Young figure to give him problems. Chicago would be wise to give him help via chips and blocking tight ends. The good news is Washington is weak against the run (21st in the NFL). Jenkins is their best run-blocker. Logic says the best way for Justin Fields to function is by keeping the offense balanced with steady doses of Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson.

It might not be enough, but it's something.