When Caleb Williams took the snap for the Chicago Bears on Monday night, few could have guessed the drama that would unfold at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. The game, part of Monday Night FootballNorthwest Stadium, pitted the Bears against the Washington Commanders in a Week 6 showdown that would be decided by a last‑second field goal.
Game Summary: A Swing‑by‑Swing Fight
The Bears entered the contest trailing 17‑9 midway through the third quarter, but a burst of offense sparked by Williams’ dual‑threat ability narrowed the gap to 24‑23 with just over two minutes left. Washington, led by Jayden Daniels, had built a three‑touchdown cushion earlier, yet two costly turnovers erased that advantage.
Under wet conditions that turned the grass to a slick, almost treacherous carpet, both sides struggled with ball security. The decisive moment arrived when Daniels attempted a handoff to running back Jacory Croskey‑Merritt, only to fumble the wet ball. The loose sphere rolled into Bears territory, setting up the final play.
Key Performances
D'Andre Swift was the Bears’ workhorse, amassing 108 rushing yards and 67 receiving yards – a combined 175 yards from scrimmage that earned him the game’s unofficial MVP tag. His ability to break tackles on a damp field helped keep Chicago’s drive alive after the turnover.
Williams threw for 257 yards and added a rushing touchdown, proving why the Bears drafted him as a franchise quarterback. His chemistry with rookie wideout Rome Odunze was evident; Odunze recorded five catches for 82 yards and was repeatedly described in the broadcast as the “top weapon” for the Bears’ offense.
On the Commanders side, Daniels tossed three touchdowns but also turned the ball over twice – the fumble that set up the Bears’ final field‑goal attempt and an earlier interception by safety Jordan Brisker, who returned it 33 yards.
Turning Points: The Fumble and the Heroic Kick
The fumble with three seconds left was a textbook example of the “wet grass” factor the commentators kept mentioning. As the ball bounced, it skidded into the hands of Bears defensive end Rashad Bhuiyan, who quickly swept it up and handed it to a waiting Jake Moody. Moody, a practice‑squad kicker thrust into the spotlight after a preseason injury to veteran Cairo Santos, lined up for a 38‑yard attempt.
“Snap a bit high,” the announcer cracked, but Moody’s kick was clean, swishing between the uprights as the clock hit zero. The crowd erupted, and the Bears celebrated a second straight 25‑24 win – a bizarre pattern that has now become a talking point among fans.
Coaching Impact: Ben Johnson’s Play‑Calling Evolution
Off the field, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson earned praise for his aggressive play‑calling in the fourth quarter. After the Bears fell behind early, Johnson switched to a no‑huddle, spread‑formation approach that maximized Williams’ mobility and Odunze’s speed.
“Ben’s influence is clearly rubbing off on a team that would’ve lost this game three times over for the last five years,” a Bears analyst noted in a post‑game YouTube breakdown. The adjustments paid off, turning a potential loss into a morale‑boosting victory that puts Chicago back in the playoff conversation.
Looking Ahead: What This Win Means for Both Teams
With the win, the Bears improve to 3‑2, snapping an 0‑2 start and positioning themselves for a crucial home clash against the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field on Sunday, Oct. 20. If they can replicate their late‑game composure, Chicago could climb into the NFC North’s top tier.
The Commanders, now 3‑3, face a short‑turnaway game that will test their resilience after back‑to‑back one‑point defeats. Their next opponent is still to be announced, but the pattern of turnovers suggests a pressing need to tighten ball security, especially on a wet field.
Statistical Snapshot
- Final Score: Bears 25, Commanders 24
- Time of decisive field goal: 00:00, 3rd overtime period
- Turnovers: Bears 3 (1 fumble recovery, 2 interceptions), Commanders 2 (1 fumble, 1 interception)
- Rushing yards – Bears: 185, Commanders: 112
- Passing yards – Bears: 257, Commanders: 319
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Bears’ win affect their playoff chances?
At 3‑2, Chicago jumps into the NFC North’s middle of the pack, erasing the early deficit that once put them on the outside. A win against the Saints next week could catapult them into a top‑two spot, making a wild‑card berth much more attainable.
What caused Washington’s fumble in the final seconds?
The field at Northwest Stadium was slick from recent rain, which made the handoff to Jacory Croskey‑Merritt slip. Daniels’ grip on the ball faltered, and the wet surface caused the ball to bounce free, allowing the Bears to recover.
Why was Jake Moody’s kick so crucial?
Moody, a practice‑squad rookie, stepped in after Cairo Santos went down with a hamstring injury. His composure on a 38‑yard attempt under wet conditions and a ticking clock turned a potential overtime into an immediate win.
Which Bears player emerged as the most valuable in this game?
While the spotlight fell on Moody’s clutch kick, D'Andre Swift’s 175 yards from scrimmage and his ability to break tackles on a soggy field were instrumental in sustaining the drive that led to the game‑winning field goal.
What adjustments did the Bears make after falling behind?
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson shifted to a faster tempo, employing a no‑huddle spread that leveraged Caleb Williams’ mobility and Rome Odunze’s speed. This forced the Commanders’ defense into mismatches and paved the way for the comeback.