Bears Edge Commanders 25-24 with Last‑Second Field Goal in Landover

When Chicago Bears walked onto FedEx Field on Monday night, nobody expected a finish that would feel like a movie script. The 25‑24 win over the Washington Commanders hinged on a 38‑yard field goal by rookie Jake Moody as the clock hit zero, sealing a comeback that kept the Bears alive at 3‑2 after a rocky 0‑2 start.

Game Overview and the Final Drive

The match started with both teams trading blows. The Commanders, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, surged early, posting three touchdowns and racking up 286 passing yards. But the Bears answered back. Caleb Williams threw for 257 yards, added a 12‑yard rushing touchdown, and kept the offense humming.

The turning point arrived with 1:13 left on the clock. Facing a fourth‑and‑1 at the Chicago 23‑yard line, Daniels fumbled on a hand‑off attempt to running back Jacory Croskey‑Merritt. The Bears recovered at the Chicago 22, setting up a 50‑yard, seven‑play march that culminated in Moody’s game‑winner.

Offensive Highlights

Williams proved why the Bears drafted him in the first round. He completed 22 of 35 passes, hit his tight end for a 31‑yard strike, and scrambled for a 12‑yard dash into the end zone. Running back David Montgomery was the workhorse on the ground, logging 108 rushing yards on 18 carries and adding 67 receiving yards on five catches. Montgomery’s ability to break tackles kept the defense honest and opened lanes for Williams.

On the other side, Daniels was as flashy as ever, delivering three touchdown passes—including a 55‑yard connection to wide receiver Rashod Bateman. Yet his two turnovers—one interception and the fateful fumble—underscored a night of high risk, high reward.

Defensive Impact and Takeaways

The Bears’ defense stepped up when it mattered most. They forced three takeaways, the most crucial being the last‑minute fumble. Linebacker Roquan Smith led the charge with eight tackles and a sack, while cornerback Jaylon Johnson knocked down two potential deep balls.

Washington’s defense, meanwhile, struggled to contain Williams’ dual threat. They allowed 257 passing yards and gave up a crucial 12‑yard touchdown run that swung momentum in Chicago’s favor.

Coaching and Strategic Adjustments

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson drew praise for his play‑calling, especially the aggressive go‑for‑it fourth‑down that set up the final drive. “Ben’s schematics have finally clicked with this group,” said Bears’ offensive line coach Harry Hiestand in the post‑game press conference.

Washington’s head coach Ron Rivera was visibly frustrated by what he called “inconsistent officiating.” He vowed to tighten ball security in practice, acknowledging that the fumble cost the team dearly.

Implications for the Season

With the win, the Bears sit at 3‑2 overall and 1‑1 on the road, pulling even with the NFC North leader. The three‑game winning streak—following a 0‑2 start—has reignited talk of a playoff run, especially if they can sustain the offensive spark shown by Williams.

The Commanders drop to 3‑2 as well, but their home record improves to 2‑0. If they can rebound from this loss, they remain strong contenders in the NFC East.

Next week, the Bears will host the 1‑5 New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field on Sunday, October 20, 2025, at 1:00 PM CT. The matchup will test whether Chicago’s late‑game poise can translate to a home‑field advantage.