When the Chicago Bears trailed 24‑16 late in the fourth quarter at FedExField on Oct. 13, 2025, most fans thought the night was over. The twist is that a clutch walk‑off field goal turned the whole story on its head and handed Washington a 25‑24 defeat on Monday Night Football.
Game Overview and Key Moments
The showdown, officially part of the Monday Night Football FedExField, began with the Bears surprising everyone by scoring first. A 38‑yard field‑goal effort from rookie kicker Jake Moody put Chicago up 6‑0. Washington answered with two touchdowns in the second quarter, but the Bears clawed back a 13‑7 lead before halftime.
Third‑quarter action was a defensive slog; the Commanders added a field goal while Chicago tacked on a miserable three points, leaving the score 16‑10 heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, Washington reeled off two quick scores, flipping the script to 24‑16. A pivotal moment came when quarterback Jayden Daniels fumbled near his own 32‑yard line. The Bears recovered, setting up a 12‑play, 58‑yard drive that culminated in Moody’s game‑winner as time expired.
Statistical Breakdown
- Total yards: Chicago 381, Washington 329.
- Third‑down conversions: Bears 3 of 10, Commanders 3 of 8.
- Turnovers: Washington 3 (2 interceptions, 1 fumble), Chicago 0.
- Time of possession: Bears 28:26, Commanders 31:34.
- Penalties: Bears 9 for 84 yards, Commanders 5 for 40 yards.
Those numbers tell a story of a team that capitalized on every mistake. The Bears’ defense forced three takeaways, while their offense kept grinding despite being out‑of‑bounds for longer stretches.
Player Performances That Stood Out
Quarterback Caleb Williams II, the 23‑year‑old rookie, completed 17 of 29 passes for 252 yards, a touchdown and a near‑perfect 98.6 passer rating. He stayed poised even as the clock wound down, delivering a 12‑yard pass to running back D'Andre Swift that set up the final field‑goal attempt.
Swift, meanwhile, had a career night: 14 carries for 108 rushing yards plus two receptions for 67 yards, including a 55‑yard touchdown catch that briefly gave Chicago momentum.
Defensively, linebacker Brian Wagner led all players with 13 solo tackles, a workhorse effort that anchored the secondary.
On Washington’s side, Daniels threw for 211 yards and three touchdowns but also tossed an interception that proved costly. Wide receiver Christian Moore hauled in three catches for 46 yards and a score, while running back Jordan Croskey‑Merritt managed 61 yards on 17 carries.
Injuries and Immediate Reactions
Late in the fourth quarter, wideout DJ Moore was carted off the field after a hard hit. He spent the night at a Landover hospital; doctors said the injury was undisclosed but not expected to be season‑ending. Host Harrison Graham of “Chicago Bears Now” called the win "sweet revenge" for the Hail‑Mary loss the previous year, while also noting the concern over Moore’s health.
Coach Matt Eberflus praised his squad’s resolve: "We never quit, and Jake’s confidence gave us the edge when it mattered most." Washington’s head coach, Ron Rivera, lamented the turnovers but remained optimistic, emphasizing the team’s ability to bounce back next week.
What This Win Means for Chicago
Improving to 3‑2 overall and 2‑1 on the road, the Bears have snapped a three‑game skid and now sit in the NFC North’s upper half. The victory also showcases the depth at kicker; Jake Moody, thrust into the role after Cairo Santos’ injury, proved he can handle pressure.
Analysts say the comeback could be a catalyst for a playoff push. With a week off before they travel to face the Detroit Lions on Oct. 20, the Bears will hope to keep the momentum rolling.
Historical Context: Bears vs. Commanders Rivalry
The two teams have met 20 times in the regular season, with Chicago holding a slender 11‑9 edge. Their most recent matchup, a Hail‑Mary win for Washington in 2024, still stings for Bears fans. This Monday night triumph feels like poetic justice, especially given the dramatic finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Bears' playoff chances?
At 3‑2, Chicago jumps into the NFC North race, staying within a game of the division leader. A win on the road against a division rival boosts their tiebreaker weight and could be the springboard for a late‑season surge.
What was the key factor behind Washington's loss?
Turnovers doomed the Commanders. Three giveaways – two interceptions and a fumble that led directly to the winning field‑goal drive – swung momentum and kept the Bears in striking distance.
Will DJ Moore miss upcoming games?
Doctors released a statement saying Moore’s injury is non‑structural, but he will be evaluated during practice before the Lions matchup. The Bears hope he can return quickly, as his presence is vital to the passing attack.
How did Jake Moody perform after stepping in for Cairo Santos?
Moody was perfect on four of five attempts, including the 38‑yard winner. His poise under pressure earned praise from teammates and analysts, suggesting he could become the Bears' primary kicker moving forward.
What’s next for the Commanders after this loss?
Washington drops to 3‑3 and will host the New York Giants on Oct. 20. Coach Rivera emphasizes learning from the turnovers and expects the offense to bounce back, especially with Daniels still showing strong passing numbers.