Bears Edge Commanders 25-24 on Final-Second FG in Monday Night Thriller

When Chicago Bears clashed with the Washington Commanders under the bright lights of Monday Night FootballNorthwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, the final score read 25‑24 in favor of the Bears. The winning margin came courtesy of a 38‑yard field goal as time expired, nailed by Jake Moody, who was thrust into the lineup after a late‑season injury to veteran kicker Cairo Santos. Caleb Williams orchestrated a late‑fourth‑quarter comeback, while a fumble forced from Jayden Daniels with just over two minutes left set the stage for the decisive kick. D'Andre Swift racked up a combined 175 yards from scrimmage, and safety Jaquan Brisker added an interception that helped swing momentum. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson praised the unit’s poise in the final minutes, noting that every third‑down conversion mattered more than the penalties that piled up earlier.

How the Bears Turned the Tide

Trailing 24‑17 with just over five minutes left, Chicago faced a daunting eight‑point deficit and a cascade of nine penalties that cost them 87 yards. The key moment arrived at the 2:12 mark when Daniels attempted a handoff to running back Jacory Crosby‑Merritt; the ball slipped, hit the ground, and Moody recovered it at the Commanders’ 38‑yard line. From there, the Bears marched downfield, converting three crucial third‑downs—each a short pass to wide receiver Rome Odunze, who has emerged as Williams’ favorite target this season.

The drive culminated with a 21‑yard rush by Swift that set up Moody’s field goal. The snap was slightly high, but the kicker’s foot was steady, sending the ball between the uprights with three seconds left on the clock. The stadium’s rain‑soaked turf made footing treacherous, yet the kicker’s composure was textbook.

Key Performers on Both Sides

Caleb Williams finished with 252 passing yards, one touchdown through the air and another on the ground. His poise in the pocket, especially on the final drive, reminded many of his rookie year flashes but with a veteran’s decision‑making.

D'Andre Swift tallied 108 rushing yards and 67 receiving yards, making him the most productive Bear of the night. His ability to break tackles in the wet conditions kept the defense honest.

For Washington, Terry McLaurin logged seven catches for 112 yards and a touchdown, while Jayden Daniels threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns. The quarterback’s stat line looked solid on paper, but the fumble proved costly.

Defensively, Jaquan Brisker snagged an interception early in the fourth quarter, and the Bears’ secondary limited the Commanders to just 38 yards after the turnover, sealing the comeback.

Penalty Trouble and Weather Woes

Both sides were plagued by penalties—a total of 18 calls combined. Chicago’s nine infractions included a roughing the passer that pushed them back 15 yards on a potential scoring drive. Washington wasn’t clean either, committing a dead‑ball foul that extended the Bears’ field‑goal attempt. The rain added a slippery element, contributing to the fumble and a few mishandled snaps that made the officiating crew’s job feel like a full‑time gig.

Even with the “awful officiating most of the night” commentary from the Bears’ YouTube post‑game analysis, the team’s resilience shone through. Coach Eric Washington, the defensive coordinator, emphasized that creating takeaways has been a focal point all season, and the forced fumble was the perfect illustration of that philosophy.

Coaches' Takeaways and Future Outlook

After the game, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson highlighted the importance of execution in the red zone, noting that the Commanders missed three potential field‑goal opportunities inside the 20‑yard line. “We had to be clinical on third down, and we were,” he said, smiling.

Defensive coordinator Eric Washington praised his unit for staying disciplined despite the weather, saying, “One of the few things that this defense has done well is create the takeaway.” The emphasis on forcing turnovers could prove decisive as the Bears look to build momentum heading into a home game against the New Orleans Saints.

For Washington, head coach Ron Rivera (not marked as primary) expressed disappointment, especially given that the team had multiple chances to seal the win with short field goals. “We need to finish what we start,” he told reporters, indicating that the missed kicks will be a focal point in the next practice.

What This Means for the Rest of the Season

Chicago’s victory lifted them to 3‑2 after an 0‑2 start, marking their third straight win by a 25‑24 margin—a quirky pattern fans are already dubbing the “25‑24 curse turned blessing.” The win also avenges a controversial Hail‑Mary finish from the previous season, adding a narrative layer that will keep the rivalry simmering.

Washington fell to 3‑3, slipping back to .500 and jeopardizing any early‑season playoff hopes. The Commanders will need to tighten up ball security and capitalize on red‑zone chances if they hope to stay afloat in the NFC East.

Looking ahead, the Bears host the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field on October 20, 2025. If they can replicate the late‑game composure shown against the Commanders, Chicago could solidify a playoff berth earlier than most analysts expect.

Key Facts

• Final score: Chicago Bears 25, Washington Commanders 24
• Winning field goal: Jake Moody, 38 yards, 0:03 left
• Turnovers: Bears 0, Commanders 2 (including fumble by Jayden Daniels)
• Penalties: Bears 9 for 87 yards; Commanders 9 for 84 yards
• Weather: Rainy, slick field conditions at Northwest Stadium