Oct. 14, 2025 – By Rohan Nadkarni
A year ago, the Chicago Bears found themselves in the middle of one of the most humiliating losses in franchise history. A Hail Mary by the Washington Commanders as time expired not only crushed the Bears’ hopes of a season turnaround, but it also sent them into an unprecedented spiral. The Bears lost nine straight games after that loss, fired head coach Matt Eberflus mid-season, and finished with a dismal 5-12 record. Meanwhile, the Commanders, led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, turned their fortunes around, winning the NFC East and ultimately making it to the NFC Championship game.
But in a twist of fate, a year later, it was the Bears who emerged victorious in a dramatic 25-24 win over Washington in Maryland on a rainy Monday night. As time expired, Jake Moody’s game-winning field goal sealed a comeback victory, giving the Bears a much-needed boost after a rocky start to the season. For Chicago, this win wasn’t just a win on the scoreboard—it was a statement, a show of resilience and growth after an entire year of heartache.
A Tale of Two Seasons
The previous year’s matchup between the Bears and Commanders will be remembered as the game that defined each team’s season. The Bears were on the cusp of something better before that fateful play, led by rookie Caleb Williams, the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. But the crushing loss to Washington left a lasting scar. The team spiraled, and it became clear that the struggles of their young quarterback and coaching staff were too much to overcome.
In contrast, Washington, buoyed by Daniels, blossomed into a playoff contender. The rookie QB dazzled, helping the Commanders to an unexpected playoff run and proving the critics wrong about their decision to invest heavily in him. Daniels, selected second overall in the draft, seemed poised to be the future of the Commanders, while the Bears’ Williams faced increasing scrutiny and disappointment. Questions about whether the Bears had chosen the wrong quarterback lingered all throughout the offseason.
Fast forward to October 2025, and things look dramatically different. While Washington’s promising season ended with a tough loss in the NFC Championship, Chicago’s fortunes have begun to shift under new head coach Ben Johnson. Despite a shaky start with an 0-2 record, the Bears have turned things around, winning three straight games, including Monday night’s triumph over Washington. Now 3-2, the Bears are beginning to show the signs of a team on the rise. For Williams, who struggled mightily in his rookie season, this win over Daniels is a sweet moment of vindication.
The Game: Mistakes, Resilience, and Redemption
Monday’s victory was far from flawless, but it was a testament to the growth of the Bears as a team and the individual maturation of Caleb Williams. Despite several mistakes—including a blocked field goal, a turnover on downs, and struggles in the red zone—the Bears found a way to win when it mattered most.
Williams, who threw for 252 yards and two total touchdowns in the game, was once again called upon to lead a go-ahead drive in the fourth quarter. He didn’t flinch under the pressure, delivering a clutch performance. “It’s about staying strong mentally in those moments,” Williams said. “Through all the ups and downs, all the adversity, we stayed steady as a team. We didn’t flinch. We kept going.”
In this pivotal win, Williams wasn’t alone. Chicago’s defense stepped up, forcing two crucial turnovers, including a fumbled handoff by Jayden Daniels that set up the game-winning field goal. Special teams also made an impact, as they had in the previous week’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders, blocking a potential game-winning field goal attempt. These moments of team-wide effort were reflective of the culture change that Ben Johnson is working to instill.
Jake Moody, who was making his debut for the Bears after signing with the practice squad in September, nailed the game-winning 45-yard field goal. His steady foot in the clutch moments showed that the Bears’ revamped roster was ready to capitalize on opportunities when they presented themselves. The victory over Washington marked a significant moment for the team, not just in terms of the win itself, but in terms of showing that the Bears’ rebuild is starting to take shape.
Caleb Williams: A New Chapter
Perhaps the most significant aspect of this win for the Bears is the continued development of Caleb Williams. After a rough rookie season, Williams has taken major strides this year. Despite all the hype surrounding the 2024 draft class, Williams’ early performances have started to turn heads. Through five games, Williams is averaging more passing yards per game than his counterpart, Daniels, and he has accounted for more total touchdowns (both passing and rushing) while also helping lead his team to a better record.
While Daniels continues to impress in Washington, Williams’ performance in these clutch moments has silenced much of the criticism from last year’s debacle. In a game that showcased both quarterbacks side by side, it was Williams who came out on top. “You want to compete against great players, and moments like this are what make the game special,” Williams said, acknowledging the fierce competition between him and Daniels. “We know the stakes. It’s about who steps up when the game is on the line.”
The Bears’ coaching staff has done its part, too. Ben Johnson, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, was brought in to help turn around Williams’ development and to shift the culture in Chicago. Johnson’s experience with developing quarterbacks has paid off. His emphasis on mental fortitude and not letting mistakes derail the team’s progress has shown on the field.
The Bigger Picture: A Team on the Rise
For the Bears, this win against Washington is more than just another victory on the schedule. It represents a tangible step forward in a season that had many wondering if they would repeat last year’s collapse. The confidence the team now has, especially in the mental toughness department, cannot be understated. As Coach Johnson noted, “Sometimes these gritty wins go a lot further for your program than the blowouts do.”
While Chicago is still a long way from competing for a Super Bowl, this season is shaping up to be one of promise. The offensive line, though not perfect, is showing signs of improvement. The defense is starting to create turnovers and play with more aggression. Special teams are making plays at critical moments. Most importantly, the locker room is filled with players who now believe in their potential.
This win over Washington is just one example of how far the Bears have come since last year. While it’s still early in the season, it’s clear that the team is no longer reeling from the ghost of a devastating loss. They are beginning to find their rhythm and, more importantly, finding ways to win close games—a trait that will serve them well as the season progresses.
For the Bears, the road to playoff contention is still long, but their victory against Washington was a sign that they are finally on the right track.
