When Chicago Bears clinched a 25‑24 win over the Washington Commanders on Monday night, the city’s sports buzz hit a fever pitch. The clash unfolded during Monday Night Football: Bears vs CommandersNorthwest Stadium, Maryland at 9:30 PM Eastern, and it ended with a 38‑yard field goal by rookie kicker Jake Moody as the clock hit zero.
Game Overview
The Bears entered the contest at 3‑2 overall, having rattled off three straight wins after a rocky 0‑2 start. Washington, meanwhile, was 3‑3 and hoping to even the series after a dramatic Hail‑Mary loss the previous week.
Chicago struck first, posting six points in the opening quarter. Washington stayed silent until the second, where a touchdown narrowed the gap. A third quarter field goal pushed the Bears to 16‑7, but the Commanders answered with a 10‑point surge, leaving the score at 16‑17 heading into the final period.
Key Performances
Caleb Williams delivered a balanced attack, completing 19 of 26 passes for 211 yards, three TDs and an interception, while also scrambling for a rushing touchdown. His total yardage topped 250, marking his third 250‑plus outing of the season.
Behind the scenes, D'Andre Swift posted a career‑best 108 rushing yards on 14 carries and added 67 receiving yards, racking up 175 yards from scrimmage.
For Washington, quarterback Jayden Daniels threw for 252 yards and a touchdown but turned the ball over twice, including the fumble that set up the Bears’ final drive.
Turning Point and Late Drama
The decisive moment arrived with 1:42 left on the clock. Daniels attempted a handoff to running back Jacory Croskey‑Merritt, but the exchange went awry and the ball popped loose. Chicago safety Jaquan Brisker swooped in, forcing a recovered fumble at Washington’s 35‑yard line. After a quick series, Moody’s 38‑yard kick split the uprights, sealing the Bears victory.
The Bears defense, which logged three total takeaways, also featured linebacker Tremaine Edmunds with 13 tackles, while Washington’s veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner tallied nine.
Coaching Impact and Season Context
Head coach Ben Johnson has been praised for reshaping a Bears squad that historically struggled against Washington. Analysts note that Johnson’s adjustments during the week‑long bye helped Williams recover from a lingering ankle sprain and gave the offensive line extra time to fine‑tune pass‑protection schemes.
Statistically, Chicago outgained Washington 381‑329 yards, converted 3 of 10 on third down, and recorded 19 first downs versus Washington’s 22. However, the Bears’ nine penalties (84 yards) threatened to derail momentum, a hurdle they ultimately overcame.
Looking Ahead
The next week, the Bears host the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sunday, October 20, 2025. If the Bears maintain their late‑game poise, they could climb into the NFC North’s top tier.
Washington, still reeling from the loss, will return to Northwest Stadium to square off against an opponent yet to be announced. The Commanders must address ball security if they hope to stay in contention.
Key Takeaways
- Jake Moody’s 38‑yard field goal with 0.0 seconds left secured the win.
- Caleb Williams posted 3 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD, and over 250 total yards.
- D'Andre Swift’s 175 yards from scrimmage marked his best Bears performance.
- Washington’s two turnovers, especially the late fumble, proved costly.
- Ben Johnson’s coaching adjustments continue to turn the Bears’ season around.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Bears' playoff chances?
The victory lifts Chicago to 3‑2, keeping them in the NFC North race. A win against the Saints next week could put them within a game of the division leader, making a playoff berth more realistic.
What were the decisive factors in Washington’s loss?
Two turnovers, especially Daniels’ fumble deep in the fourth quarter, swung momentum. In addition, the Commanders were unable to contain the Bears’ running game, allowing Swift to amass 175 yards from scrimmage.
Who stood out on defense for the Bears?
Safety Jaquan Brisker’s interception return and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds’ 13 tackles were key. Both players helped create the turnover that set up the game‑winning field goal.
Will Jake Moody stay on the roster after this performance?
Moody’s clutch kick certainly strengthens his case. With starter Cairo Santos sidelined, the Bears are likely to keep Moody on the active roster for the remainder of the season.
What does the upcoming Saints game mean for the Bears' momentum?
Facing a division rival on home turf, Chicago will try to ride the confidence from the Monday night win. A victory would not only boost morale but also give them a tiebreaker edge in the NFC North.
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