When Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, guided the Chicago Bears to a 25‑24 win over the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football, the final seconds heard a kicker’s miracle.
Historical Context: A Rivalry Reignited
This matchup was more than a regular‑season showdown. It marked the first time the two top‑drafted quarterbacks—Williams and Jayden Daniels, the No. 2 pick of the same draft—met on the field since their rookie season in 2024. The 2024 meeting ended abruptly when a Hail‑Mary pass was intercepted, a play that helped derail Chicago’s campaign that year. Fast‑forward to 2025, both franchises have shifted gears, and the Week 6 clash felt like a sequel.
Detailed Developments: How the Game Unfolded
Northwest Stadium, nestled in Landover, Maryland, hosted 68,000 fans under bright lights. The Bears struck first, putting up six points in the opening quarter, while the Commanders stayed silent. By halftime, the score read 13‑10 in favor of Chicago thanks to a 53‑yard field goal from Commanders’ veteran Joey Slye and a touchdown pass from Williams to DJ Moore.
The third quarter swung in Washington’s direction. Daniels connected with wideout Terry McLaurin for a 12‑yard score, and a subsequent drive added a ten‑point burst, putting the Commanders ahead 20‑13. Chicago answered late, with D’Andre Swift (who rushed for 108 yards on 14 carries) delivering a clutch 15‑yard plunge that placed the ball inside the 20‑yard line, setting up a field goal that trimmed the deficit.
In the final stanza, the Bears rallied. Williams tossed a 23‑yard strike to D.J. Moore for his third TD, and the defense, led by linebacker Roquan Smith, forced a turnover that set up the decisive score. With 12 seconds left, the Bears elected to attempt a 38‑yard field goal. Jake Moody, who had been promoted from the practice squad earlier that afternoon, stepped up and split the uprights as the clock hit zero. The final tally: 25‑24.
Statistical Snapshot
- First downs: Bears 19, Commanders 22
- Total yards: Bears 381, Commanders 329
- Turnovers: Bears 0, Commanders 3 (2 interceptions, 1 fumble)
- Third‑down conversion: Bears 30% (3/10), Commanders 38% (3/8)
- Time of possession: Bears 28:26, Commanders 31:34
Reactions from the Bench
Head coach Ben Johnson praised the unit’s composure. “This was probably the smallest menu we’ve had going into a week, and maybe that has something to do with us executing a little better,” he said in the post‑game press conference. When asked about the Bears' historical difficulty closing games, Johnson added, “I think it says a lot about our team.”
On the other sideline, Commanders’ defensive coordinator Dan Quinn lamented the missed opportunities. “Three turnovers in a one‑point game hurt us more than any yardage,” he noted, while promising adjustments ahead of the next matchup.
Impact Assessment: What This Means for the NFC
The win nudged Chicago to 3‑2, keeping them within striking distance of the NFC North leader. More importantly, the victory shed the lingering stigma that the Bears “can’t close.” Over the past season, they were 1‑4 in games decided by seven points or fewer; this triumph marks the third straight win in that category.
Washington slipped to 3‑3, a record that now puts them on the bubble of playoff contention. The three turnovers will be a focal point for their coaching staff as they prepare for a meeting with the New York Giants next week.
What’s Next: Looking Ahead
For the Bears, Week 7 pits them against the Detroit Lions in a divisional showdown. If the offense can keep feeding the ball to Swift and Williams stays efficient, Chicago could solidify a top‑two spot.
The Commanders travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles, a test of whether they can rebound from a heart‑breaking loss without the defensive lapses that cost them.
Background Deep Dive: The Draft Duo’s Journey
Williams entered the NFL as the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner from USC, while Daniels came out of Florida State after a stellar senior campaign. Both signed rookie contracts worth approximately $45 million, with Williams receiving a $38 million fully guaranteed deal. Their parallel rise has been a talking point all season, and this game added another chapter to their intertwined narratives.
Moody’s ascent is also noteworthy. After going undrafted in 2025, he spent most of the preseason on the Bears’ practice squad. The promotion on game day, followed by a clutch 38‑yard field goal, could cement his spot on the active roster for the rest of the year.
Key Facts
- Final score: Bears 25, Commanders 24
- Game‑winning field goal: Jake Moody, 38 yards, 0:00
- Top passer: Caleb Williams, 211 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
- Top rusher: D’Andre Swift, 108 yards
- Turnovers: Bears 0, Commanders 3
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Bears’ playoff chances?
The victory lifts Chicago to 3‑2, keeping them within two games of the NFC North leader. Winning close contests also improves their tiebreaker profile, which could be decisive if the division ends in a deadlock.
What were the decisive moments that led to the Commanders’ loss?
Three turnovers proved fatal. An early interception by safety Jordan Brisker set up a Bears field goal, while two later giveaways halted Washington’s momentum in the fourth quarter, forcing them to chase the game.
Why was Jake Moody’s performance notable?
Moody had just been elevated from the practice squad that afternoon. Converting a 38‑yard field goal as time expired is rare for a rookie‑like player and may secure his spot on the 53‑man roster moving forward.
How do the quarterbacks’ stats compare in this game?
Williams completed 19 of 26 attempts for 211 yards, throwing three touchdowns and one interception. Daniels was 17‑29 for 252 yards with a single touchdown and no interceptions, but his higher yardage couldn’t offset the three turnovers forced by Chicago’s defense.
What does this game mean for the Commanders’ season outlook?
Falling to 3‑3 puts Washington in a precarious spot in the NFC East. They must tighten ball security and capitalize on their offensive firepower to stay in the playoff race.
