When Caleb Williams, quarterback of the Chicago Bears guided a 13‑play, 68‑yard march in the final seconds, the roar from Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland turned from tense to triumphant. The Bears clinched a 25‑24 win over the Washington Commanders on Week 6 Monday Night FootballNorthwest Stadium when kicker Jake Moody nailed a 38‑yard walk‑off field goal as the clock hit zero.
Game Overview and Final Score
The matchup unfolded as a classic see‑saw. Washington struck first, posting 17 points by the end of the third quarter while Chicago managed just nine. At the start of the fourth, the Commanders led 24‑16, an eight‑point gap that seemed comfortable. But the Bears, now 4‑2 on the season, erased the deficit with a late‑quarter touchdown pass to D'Andre Swift and then forced a turnover that set up Moody’s game‑winner.
- Final: Bears 25, Commanders 24
- Time of possession: Washington 31:34, Chicago 28:26
- Total yards: Bears 381, Commanders 329
- Turnovers forced: Bears 3, Commanders 0
- Penalties: Bears 9 for 84 yards, Washington 5 for 40 yards
Key Plays and Player Performances
Caleb Williams completed 17 of 29 passes for 252 yards, a single touchdown, and posted a passer rating of 98.6. His poise on third‑and‑long in the final two minutes earned the Bears their first first down of the quarter and kept the clock moving.
D'Andre Swift logged a career‑high 108 rushing yards on 14 carries and added a 55‑yard touchdown reception that swung momentum. Swift’s versatility forced Washington’s linebackers to bite on both the run and the pass.
Wideout Luther Burden hauled in four catches for 51 yards, while veteran DJ Moore contributed three receptions for 42 yards before leaving the field with an undisclosed injury. Moore was taken to a local hospital for observation, a development that rattled the Bears’ offensive depth chart.
For Washington, Jayden Daniels threw for 211 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. His third‑quarter strike to wide receiver C. Moore (not to be confused with Chicago’s DJ) narrowed the gap, but an ill‑timed pick by Bears safety Tremaine Brisker halted any further comeback hopes.
The defensive stat line tells its own story. Chicago forced three turnovers – a crucial interception by Brisker at the 35‑yard line and two forced fumbles recovered by linebacker B. Wagner. Washington, on the other hand, failed to generate a single takeaway.
Coaches' Reactions and Media Takeaways
After the final whistle, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus praised the “never‑quit” attitude of his offense. "We trusted the process, trusted Caleb, and trusted our special teams. Jake delivered when we needed it," he told reporters during the post‑game press conference.
Commanders coach Ron Rivera was more measured. "We made some big plays, but we left too many opportunities on the field. The turnovers cost us," he said, adding that the team would focus on ball security heading into the next matchup.
Broadcast analysts on ABC highlighted the Bears’ special‑teams execution. Sideline reporter Harrison Graham of Chat Sports noted, "Moody’s confidence after stepping in for the injured Cairo Santos shows the depth Chicago has built at kicker."
Implications for the Season
Chicago’s victory propels the Bears to a 4‑2 record, keeping them a half‑game behind the NFC North leader. More importantly, the win on the road demonstrates that the team can thrive in hostile environments—a quality that will be tested on the road again next week when they face division rival Green Bay Packers.
Washington drops to 3‑4, slipping out of the top‑two spot in the NFC East. The loss also raises questions about their ability to protect the ball late in close contests, a chronic issue that has haunted the franchise since the 2022 season.
Statistically, the Bears now rank third in the league for third‑down conversion percentage (30 % of attempts) after a modest 30 % in this game. Their defense, which has struggled with consistency, finally showed a three‑takeaway night, suggesting a possible turning point.
Historical Context and Next Week Preview
Monday Night Football has delivered its fair share of dramatic finishes, but a walk‑off field goal decided by a rookie kicker is a rarity. The last comparable finish in the NFC East was back in 2021 when the Giants beat the Cowboys on a 45‑yard field goal as clock expired.
For Chicago, this marks the first win in Landover since the 2022 season, a venue that has traditionally favored the Commanders. The “revenge” narrative cited by CBS Sports—referring to a previous Hail‑Mary loss—adds a layer of poetic justice that fans are still chewing over.
Looking ahead, the Bears must address the injury to DJ Moore, who was a reliable target on third down. Meanwhile, Washington will travel to FedExField to take on the Philadelphia Eagles, hoping to bounce back before the playoff race tightens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the walk‑off field goal affect the Bears' playoff chances?
The win improves Chicago to 4‑2, keeping them within striking distance of the NFC North leader. A strong road record like 2‑1 now boosts their tiebreaker odds, meaning a few more victories could secure a division berth.
What impact might DJ Moore's injury have on Chicago's offense?
Moore was the Bears' third‑most targeted receiver this season. His absence forces Caleb Williams to lean more on Luther Burden and the emerging tight end Odunze, potentially limiting the depth of the passing attack against tougher secondaries.
Why did the Bears' special teams outperform the Commanders?
Jake Moody, stepping in for the injured Cairo Santos, converted four of five attempts, including the final 38‑yard kick. In contrast, Washington’s kicker missed a 45‑yard try earlier, highlighting a consistency gap that proved decisive.
What were the key differences in turnover margins?
Chicago forced three turnovers—a pick by Brisker and two forced fumbles—while the Commanders came away with none. The +3 turnover margin gave the Bears extra possessions that directly led to their 25 points.
How does this game compare to previous Monday Night finishes?
It joins a short list of games where a field goal decided the outcome in the final second—think 2021 Giants vs. Cowboys. However, the combination of a rookie kicker, a two‑minute comeback, and a one‑point margin makes this night uniquely memorable.
