LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — It wasn’t a dramatic Hail Mary like last year, but Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears still managed to pull off a thrilling finish against the Washington Commanders on Monday night. Williams led his team on a late drive, setting up Jake Moody’s 38-yard field goal to give the Bears a 25-24 victory in the final seconds of a rain-soaked affair.
The Bears (3-2) extended their winning streak to three games, thanks to a balanced performance under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. Meanwhile, Washington (3-3) continued its frustrating pattern of alternating wins and losses and missed an opportunity to climb into a tie for first place in the NFC East with the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
The game was a rematch of last year’s dramatic contest, which saw Washington pull off a last-second 52-yard touchdown pass — the infamous “Hail Maryland” — to edge out Chicago. This year’s game lacked that same level of wild last-minute magic, but the tension remained high throughout, especially with both teams scrambling to stay afloat in the NFC playoff race.
Williams’ Commanding Play in the Final Drive
Caleb Williams had another solid outing, completing 17 of 29 passes for 252 yards and one touchdown. The star quarterback led the Bears on a crucial nine-play, 36-yard drive in the final minutes of the game, setting up Jake Moody for the decisive 38-yard field goal that ended up being the game-winner.
“We didn’t panic. We knew we had time, and I trusted my guys to execute,” Williams said after the game. “It feels great to get the win, especially when it comes down to the wire like that. Moody made a big kick, and it was all about execution when it mattered most.”
The drive was methodical but efficient, and Williams showed his poise, making several key throws to move the chains. The Bears, with no timeouts left, kept their composure as the clock ticked down, and Williams’ leadership in the huddle paid off when it mattered most.
Williams’ calm demeanor in clutch moments is becoming a hallmark of his young career, as he continues to shine under pressure. Despite a few missed opportunities earlier in the game, the rookie’s ability to stay focused in high-stakes situations helped the Bears leave Landover with the win.
Jake Moody’s Redemption Story
Jake Moody’s name was one of the most talked-about after the game, as his clutch kick secured the win for the Bears. The kicker, who had been signed off the practice squad only days before the game after Cairo Santos was ruled out with a quadriceps injury, went 4-for-5 on field goal attempts, including the game-winning kick.
Moody’s performance on Monday night was a far cry from his shaky start to the season. The San Francisco 49ers cut Moody earlier this year after he missed two field goals in Week 1, and his confidence had taken a hit. However, the Bears took a chance on the young kicker, and he rewarded them with an impressive outing.
“I’ve been through a lot this year, so it feels really good to be trusted in a moment like that,” Moody said after the game. “The team was confident in me, and that gave me confidence to just focus and get the job done.”
Moody’s field goals from 47 and 48 yards in the first quarter, and a 41-yarder in the third, kept the Bears ahead throughout the game. His only miss came on a 48-yard attempt in the opening play of the fourth quarter, but it didn’t seem to affect him as he nailed the game-winner when it counted most.
Commanders’ Jayden Daniels Throws First Interception, Struggles Without Key Receivers
While Washington had its chances, a few key errors by quarterback Jayden Daniels ultimately proved too costly. Daniels, who has been a standout in his second season, threw his first interception of the year late in the third quarter, halting a promising drive and swinging the momentum toward Chicago.
Daniels finished the game completing 19 of 36 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns, but the interception was his lone blemish in an otherwise solid performance. Missing two of his top three receivers didn’t help. Washington was without wide receivers Noah Brown and Terry McLaurin, both sidelined due to injury. Brown missed his fourth consecutive game with knee and groin issues, while McLaurin sat out his third straight week with a quad injury.
“It’s always tough when you’re missing guys like that,” Daniels said. “But that’s no excuse. We still had chances, and we just couldn’t get it done when it counted.”
Despite the absences, Daniels connected with tight end Cole Turner and rookie wideout Jalen Reagor for touchdowns, and he kept the Commanders in the game throughout. But the lack of a full-strength receiving corps clearly limited Washington’s ability to put points on the board when they needed them most.
Injury Concerns for Both Teams
The game wasn’t without its share of injuries. Chicago’s defense took a hit when linebacker Noah Sewell was ruled out in the second quarter with a concussion. Sewell had been playing well in the first half, contributing to a solid defensive showing by the Bears.
For Washington, defensive end Dorance Armstrong also went down in the third quarter with a hamstring injury. Armstrong, who has been a key piece of the Commanders’ defensive line, was able to return and later recorded his sixth sack of the season, but his injury added to the list of setbacks Washington had to contend with.
“We’ve had to deal with injuries all year, and tonight was no different,” said Commanders coach Ron Rivera. “But it’s part of the game, and we need to figure out how to play through it and stay competitive.”
Bears Extend Winning Streak, Commanders Fall Short Again
With the win, the Bears improved to 3-2 and continued their solid run under first-year coach Ben Johnson. Chicago, coming off a bye week, has now won three games in a row and looks to be gaining momentum as the season progresses.
For Washington, the loss is another setback in what has been an up-and-down season. After alternating wins and losses throughout the 2025 campaign, the Commanders now find themselves in a tough spot, sitting at 3-3 and in danger of falling behind in a competitive NFC East.
“We’ve got to regroup,” Rivera said. “We’re better than this. We have to bounce back, and we have to be ready to play next week.”
Up Next
Both teams now turn their attention to the next challenge. Chicago heads home to face the Minnesota Vikings next week, looking to extend its winning streak and keep pace in the NFC North. Washington, meanwhile, will try to bounce back as they head on the road to take on the Atlanta Falcons.
The Bears’ victory solidified their place as a team to watch in the NFC, while Washington must address its inconsistencies if it hopes to compete for a playoff spot. With a long season ahead, both teams know that every game matters.
