The Washington Commanders (5-2) lead the Chicago Bears (4-2) 9-0 at halftime of their Week 8 showdown at Northwest Stadium.

The Bears started the game on offense, and Washington’s defense quickly made a statement, forcing a three-pointer on the first possession. Jayden Daniels took the field for the Commanders and ran for a first down on their first drive, showing no signs of the rib injury he suffered last week.

Washington’s running game was the story of the first drive. The team moved quickly downfield before stalling in the red zone, leading to a field goal by Austin Seibert.

After another defensive stop, Daniels connected on a third-down pass from deep in Washington territory and somehow managed to score a first down and keep the drive alive. A few plays later, Daniels connected with wide receiver Terry McLaurin for a 61-yard completion inside the red zone.

Unfortunately, a penalty in the red zone pushed the Commanders back and they had to settle for another field goal.

After Daniels led the Commanders back deep into Chicago territory, a 24-yard completion by Dyami Brown was nullified when left guard Nick Allegretti was penalized for being short-handed.

On the third and fourth plays, it looked like Washington had its first touchdown when Daniels found tight end Zach Ertz in the corner of the end zone, but the officials ruled it incomplete and said the ball had moved when he touched the ground. Seibert scored another field goal to make it 9-0.

The Bears had their best drive of the game and were in field goal territory, but Washington’s pressure on quarterback Caleb Williams pushed them out of field goal range and forced them to punt.

The Commanders’ first half was disappointing as their offense outscored the Bears 267-90 but had to settle for three field goals. Washington’s defense was outstanding, constantly putting pressure on Williams and sacking him twice.

Daniels completed 10 of 19 passes for 154 yards in the first half, but the Commanders dropped four passes and came back for another big gain.

Daniels also rushed for 31 yards on three attempts. Brian Robinson Jr. led the Commanders with 50 yards on the ground.

Washington gets the kickoff for the second half.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: At halftime, the Commanders led the Bears 9-0