Redskins Injuries Offer Big Chance for Chicago Bears on Monday Night

The Chicago Bears have gone a long time without beating the Washington Redskins. Too long most will say. A total of 16 years, during which the Redskins are 7-0 against the Bears. Some of the losses were incredibly painful along the way. There was the Todd Collins emergence in 2007. The DeAngelo Hall four-interception game in 2010. Last but not least, the 45-41 shootout loss in 2013 courtesy of backup running back Roy Helu.

Suffice to say the Bears have zero reasons to feel cocky about this game. Washington may sit at 0-2 but that just means they're a desperate team. Cornered animals are always at their most dangerous. They'll also be at home and employ a quarterback in Case Keenum who is not in awe of the Bears defense. With that being said, the Redskins are not in the most enviable position looking ahead to this game.

They still are without star left tackle Trent Williams who remains away from the team over a lingering issue regarding their training staff. It doesn't stop there though. Tight end Jordan Reed is also declared out for the game with a concussion. If that weren't bad enough, their secondary could be without Quinton Dunbar, who has been one of the few reliable cover men they've had so far this season. Never mind Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie landing on IR.

Chicago Bears have their best chance yet to end the drought

Suffice to say the Bears have the edge in most departments, especially defense. The issue, as always, is the quarterback. It's impossible at this point to know which Mitch Trubisky will show up. Then again he hasn't really looked like the emerging gunslinger he was last fall when he lit up Tampa Bay, Miami, and Detroit for a combine 12 touchdown passes. In fact, that guy has been missing in action since Trubisky hurt his shoulder against Minnesota. In the seven games following that incident, he has just five touchdown passes.

Hopes are high that going against the Redskins' 25th-ranked pass defense might snap him out of his funk. Then again this is a primetime game, and Trubisky has a growing reputation for bringing his worst to national television. So again, there is no way to know if this might finally be the time he steps up. Until then, the Bears will be leaning on the defense and a steady running game to guide them to another road win.