During Week 6 Monday Night NFL showdownNorthwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, the Chicago Bears edged out the Washington Commanders 25‑24. The finish came when Jake Moody, the Bears’ kicker, drilled a 38‑yard field goal with three seconds left on a slick ball that had already cost the Commanders a potential scoring play.
Game Overview: A Neck‑and‑Neck Battle
Both clubs entered the contest with identical records: the Bears at 2‑2 and the Commanders at 2‑2. The early minutes saw Washington strike first, converting a 17‑yard pass from Jayden Daniels to veteran wideout Terry McLaurin for a touchdown. Chicago answered with a methodical drive capped by a short rush from Jacory Croskey‑Merritt, the Commanders’ rookie running back who also happened to fumble later on.
By halftime the score sat at 17‑13 in Washington’s favor. The second half turned into a see‑saw, with each side trading field goals and a crucial interception by Bears defensive back D.J. Brisker that he returned 33 yards from the end zone. That play sparked the Bears’ late‑fourth‑quarter surge.
Key Plays and Turning Points
The most dramatic swing arrived at the 4:07 mark of the fourth quarter. With the Bears trailing 24‑16, Daniels attempted a snap on a wet ball that slipped out of his hands. The fumble was recovered by Chicago at its own 44‑yard line, setting up an 11‑play drive that culminated in a 7‑yard rushing touchdown by Caleb Williams. The extra point sent the Bears within a point of Washington.
Three minutes later, Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne blocked a 48‑yard field‑goal attempt by Moody, keeping Washington ahead 17‑16. That block proved vital; the Bears needed every point that followed.
With 3:07 left, the Bears forced another turnover—this time a forced fumble on Jacory Croskey‑Merritt that was recovered by Chicago’s special teams unit. The ensuing drive ate up the clock and set the stage for Moody’s heroics.
Coaches’ Reactions
In the post‑game press conference, Ben Johnson, the Bears’ head coach, praised his squad’s resilience: “It was a really good team win here… we made a number of mistakes, penalties were an issue, but once again our team was resilient and they found a way to win.” He also singled out defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for crafting a game plan that limited Washington’s “very difficult offense.”
Across the field, Dan Quinn lamented missed opportunities: “We had chances to extend the lead. The wet snap on the last drive hurt us, and we need to protect the ball better in these conditions.” The loss dropped Washington to 3‑3, leaving them squarely in the middle of the NFC East race.
Statistical Breakdown
- Final score: Bears 25, Commanders 24.
- Jake Moody: 4 field goals (38 yd, 34 yd, 27 yd, 44 yd) and extra point.
- Caleb Williams: 215 passing yards, 1 TD, 1 INT.
- Jayden Daniels: 278 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 1 fumble.
- Turnovers: Bears forced 3 (2 fumbles, 1 interception); Commanders forced 2.
- Time of possession: Bears 33:12, Commanders 26:48.
The Bears also logged a surprisingly effective ground game after halftime, amassing 112 rushing yards—up from a season‑low 48 the week before. Wide receiver Rome Odunze emerged as a top target, hauling in seven catches for 89 yards.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
Chicago’s win nudges them back into the NFC North’s top half, sitting third behind the Vikings and Lions. More importantly, the comeback proves that the Bears can thrive under pressure, a trait that will be tested next week when they face the division‑rival Detroit Lions.
For Washington, the loss highlights a glaring ball‑security issue in wet conditions—a problem that could haunt them in the upcoming cold‑weather games against the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles. If Daniels can’t protect the snap, the Commanders’ potent offense may stall at crucial moments.
Both coaches emphasized that the next few weeks will be a make‑or‑break stretch. Johnson expects “a lot of hard work on special teams and discipline on penalties,” while Quinn says “we need to finish what we start, especially in close games.” The NFC East and North remain wide open, and a single turnover could swing the balance as dramatically as it did in Landover.
Key Takeaways
1. Jake Moody’s clutch leg** saved the Bears.**
2. Wet weather amplified ball‑handling errors for both teams.
3. Defensive play‑calling by Dennis Allen paid dividends in the fourth quarter.
4. Turnovers decided the outcome: three forced by Chicago, two by Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the weather affect the game’s outcome?
The damp grass and a slick snap caused both quarterbacks to mishandle the ball. Daniels’ fumble on the final drive directly led to the Bears’ winning field goal, while the wet conditions also made Moody’s snap high, yet he still converted.
What does this win mean for the Bears’ playoff hopes?
Improving to 3‑2 keeps Chicago in the hunt for a NFC North wild‑card spot. The victory demonstrates they can win close games, a quality that often separates playoff teams from the rest.
Which player had the biggest impact on defense?
D.J. Brisker’s end‑zone interception halted a Washington drive that could have extended the lead. His 33‑yard return also shifted momentum in Chicago’s favor, and he finished the game with two tackles and a forced fumble.
Will the Commanders be able to bounce back after this loss?
If Dan Quinn can tighten ball security and adjust his red‑zone play‑calling, Washington’s high‑powered offense should recover quickly. The upcoming divisional games will be a litmus test for their resilience.
How did Jake Moody’s performance compare to his season so far?
Moody entered the game with a 55 % field‑goal conversion rate. He finished 4‑0, including the decisive 38‑yard kick, boosting his season average to 72 % and silencing critics who called him “wildly inconsistent.”