When Chicago Bears clinched a 25‑24 win over the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football, the city of Chicago felt the collective gasp of a stadium that had been waiting for a climax since kickoff.
The drama unfolded at Soldier Field on October 13, 2025, with the clock winding down to 0:00 on the East Coast (6:15 PM Central). In those final seconds, Jake Moody, the Bears’ practice‑ squad kicker thrust into the spotlight, nailed a 38‑yard field goal that sealed the victory.
Game Overview
The contest was billed as a classic Monday night showdown, part of the Monday Night Football Soldier Field. Both teams entered with identical 3‑3 records, making every play feel like a playoff‑caliber moment.
Washington jumped out to an early lead, capitalizing on a short field after a Bears turnover. The Commanders’ rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, 24, displayed poise beyond his years, but a costly fumble with 2:18 left in the fourth quarter turned the tide.
Key Plays and Player Performances
Caleb Williams, the Bears’ 23‑year‑old quarterback, orchestrated the final drive with surgical precision. Over 1 minute and 47 seconds, he completed four of five passes for 61 yards, steering the offense into field‑goal range. He finished with 252 passing yards, a touchdown, and a near‑perfect passer rating of 98.6.
The ground game was anchored by D'Andre Swift, 25, who rushed for a career‑high 108 yards on 14 carries and caught a 55‑yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. Swift also added 67 receiving yards on two catches, proving he can be a dual‑threat weapon.
On the receiving end, rookie wideout Luther Burden III contributed four catches for 51 yards, while veteran DJ Moore, 27, hauled in three receptions before exiting the game with an injury that sent him to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.
Defensively, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds recovered Daniels’ fumble at the 38‑yard line, setting up the Bears’ final possession. His hustle epitomized the team’s late‑season resurgence.
Injuries and Medical Updates
The Bears were already coping with the loss of their primary kicker, Cairo Santos, who suffered a right hamstring strain during a Week 5 practice on October 5. Moody’s activation from the practice squad on October 11 was dictated by NFL Rule 17, Section 2, Article 5, after Santos failed a pre‑game medical evaluation.
Moore’s injury, described by head athletic trainer Paul Wright as “undisclosed but serious enough for immediate transport,” prompted a night‑long observation at the hospital. Initial scans showed no fractures; however, neurological testing was scheduled for the following morning.
General Manager Ryan Poles confirmed an MRI for Santos would take place on October 15 at Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, aiming to clarify the hamstring’s condition before the Bears’ next matchup.
Historical Context and Records
This win marked the second straight 25‑24 triumph for Chicago, mirroring a September 29 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Remarkably, it also made the Bears the first franchise since the 1970 AFL‑NFL merger to win back‑to‑back games by identical scores.
The result also served as a form of revenge for a December 3, 2023 contest that ended with a 52‑yard Hail Mary by Washington’s Sam Howell to Noah Brown as time expired. That loss still haunts the Bears’ fan base, and the Monday night comeback helped close that chapter, at least for now.
Looking Ahead
Head coach Matt Eberflus, 54, praised the team’s resilience, noting that “winning close games builds confidence that carries into the next week.” The Bears now sit at 4‑2, keeping a playoff berth firmly within reach.
Washington, meanwhile, fell to 4‑2, its bid for a 5‑1 record thwarted for the first time since 1996. Team President Jason Wright emphasized the need to regroup, especially after the costly turnover that cost them the lead.
For Chicago’s front office, President/CEO Kevin Warren highlighted the importance of depth at the kicker position, a lesson learned the hard way after Santos’ injury. The organization hopes Moody’s clutch performance will give them a secure backup for the remainder of the season.
- Final score: Bears 25, Commanders 24
- Key statistical leaders: Caleb Williams (252 yds, 1 TD), D'Andre Swift (108 yds rushing, 55‑yd TD reception)
- Winning drive duration: 1:47
- Crucial turnover: Daniels fumble recovered by Edmunds at the 38‑yard line
Fan Reactions and Media Take
Local radio host Harrison Graham called the game “the most exciting finish we’ve seen at Soldier Field in years,” citing Swift’s breakout performance and Moody’s unlikely heroics. Social media lit up with #BearsWin and clips of the final kick looping on Twitter and TikTok.
Analysts on ESPN noted that Chicago’s ability to execute under pressure could be a season‑defining trait, especially as they head into a division‑heavy stretch in November.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the Bears' kicker situation affect their next game?
With Cairo Santos slated for an MRI, Jake Moody may stay active as the primary option. The coaching staff will likely keep both on the roster to hedge against any lingering hamstring concerns, giving the Bears flexibility in late‑field scenarios.
What does the loss mean for Washington’s playoff hopes?
Dropping to 4‑2 puts the Commanders a game behind the division leader. They’ll need to win out and hope rivals stumble to retake control, especially with a tough road schedule ahead.
Did D'Andre Swift’s performance signal a new role for him?
Swift’s 108 rushing yards and 55‑yard TD reception suggest the Bears may feature him more prominently as a versatile weapon, blending rush and pass‑catch duties to keep defenses off‑balance.
Why was DJ Moore’s injury considered serious?
Moore’s sudden collapse prompted immediate transport to a hospital, indicating possible concussion or soft‑tissue damage. While scans showed no bone injury, further neurological tests are planned to rule out hidden trauma.
How rare is winning consecutive games by the same score?
Since the AFL‑NFL merger in 1970, no team had back‑to‑back 25‑24 victories until this Bears stretch, making it a statistical anomaly that underscores how tightly contested the season has become.
