For the first time in nearly three decades, the Washington Commanders and Chicago Bears will meet with the same starting quarterbacks as their previous matchup.
As noted by Commanders reporter Nicki Jhabvala, tonight’s game marks the first time since 1997 that both teams have returned with the same starters under center. The last time it happened, Gus Frerotte faced Erik Kramer in consecutive meetings during the 1996 and 1997 seasons.
Since then, the two teams have met 13 times, and every single matchup featured at least one new starting quarterback on either side. The long list of names that have come and gone tells the story of both franchises’ struggles to find lasting stability at the game’s most important position.
The Commanders’ past starters in those meetings include Sam Howell, Carson Wentz, Kirk Cousins, Robert Griffin III, Donovan McNabb, Jason Campbell, Mark Brunell, Brad Johnson, and others. The Bears’ side is equally varied, featuring Justin Fields, Jay Cutler, Rex Grossman, Kyle Orton, Mitchell Trubisky, and several more.
This time, though, it’s a matchup between two recent top draft picks who could represent the future for both teams. Caleb Williams, selected first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, leads the Bears, while Jayden Daniels, the second overall pick and reigning 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, starts for Washington. The two rookies entered the league together, and tonight’s primetime rematch offers an early glimpse at what could become one of the NFC’s most exciting new quarterback rivalries.
