Three takeaways from Bears 'TNF' win over Commanders: Justin Fields/D.J. Moore shine, Commanders defense flounders

The Chicago Bears kicked off Week 5 of the 2023 NFL season by stunning the Washington Commanders, 40-20,  on "Thursday Night Football." Here are three takeaways from the Bears' victory, which snapped a historic 14-game losing streak:

Justin Fields/DJ Moore connection takes another leap:

After putting together their best game as a duo last Sunday in a tough loss to the Denver Broncos, Fields and Moore's connection took a significant step forward against the Commanders. Moore had a career day, catching eight of 10 targets for 230 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, the ability to lean on Moore opened things up for Fields, who finished the night 15-of-29 for 282 yards and four scores. 

Fields is beginning to come around, following a slow start, mainly due to Moore's emergence. When targeting Moore this season, Fields is 27-of-34, throwing for 531 yards with five touchdowns, zero picks and a 158.3 quarterback rating. 

The pair helped the Bears snap a historic 14-game losing streak, and if they continue to grow, they could be posting more W's together in the very near future. 

Commanders defense falters again: 

Ahead of the 2023 campaign, the Commanders defense appeared to be the team's strength. However, that's hardly been the case through five weeks. On Thursday night, the Commanders gave up 451 yards of total offense and 40 points to a Bears team that averaged roughly half that (23.0) through four games.  

Last season, the Commanders were a top-five defense, but with virtually the entire unit back this year, they're allowing an average of 32 points per game, second worst in the NFL to only the Denver Broncos (37.5). Over the last three games alone, they've allowed 37 points a game in losses to the Buffalo Bills (37), Philadelphia Eagles (34) and now the Bears (40). 

Following another poor performance on Thursday, it might be time to sound some alarm bells in Washington. 

Sam Howell proved he belongs: 

Lost in — well, a loss — Howell played a gutsy game and gave the Commanders a chance to win when they didn't deserve it. 

Like the Commanders, Howell came out flat on Thursday night, completing 69 percent of his passes for only 71 yards and an interception in the first half. However, coming out of the halftime break, with the Commanders trailing 27-3, Howell orchestrated a five-play, 75-yard touchdown drive in three minutes to cut the deficit and swing the momentum. 

While Howell couldn't bring the Commanders back, he finished the night 37-of-51, throwing for 388 yards with two touchdowns and a pick. There isn't much to be sure about regarding the Commanders, but they may have found their QB.