When Jake Moody, the 25‑year‑old kicker for Chicago Bears nailed a 38‑yard field goal as the clock hit zero, Chicago Bears celebrated a 25‑24 win over the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football.
The drama unfolded on October 13, 2025, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. A slick, rain‑soaked field turned every snap into a gamble, and the Bears rode that uncertainty to their third straight victory, improving to 3‑2 on the season.
Game Overview
From the opening drive, it was a battle of the 2024 draft’s top quarterbacks. Caleb Williams, the 23‑year‑old Bears quarterback and Jayden Daniels, the 24‑year‑old Commanders quarterback traded blows, each trying to impose his arm on the sodden surface. The first half saw the Bears lead 14‑10, thanks to a 12‑yard touchdown pass from Williams to Rome Odunze and a field goal from Moody.
Washington answered with a 6‑yard rushing touchdown by Khalil Mack. By halftime the scoreboard read 17‑14 in favor of Chicago, a slim margin that would prove decisive.
Key Performances
DeAndre Swift vaulted to the top of the stat sheet, racking up 115 rushing yards and catching five passes for 48 yards. His 35‑yard run in the third quarter set up a crucial field goal that pushed the Bears ahead again.
On the receiving end, D.J. Moore hauled in four receptions for 62 yards, while Odunze added another 44 yards and a key third‑down conversion. Washington’s primary offensive weapon was wideout Terry McLaurin, who caught six passes for 71 yards before his momentum was halted by an interception.
Moody was flawless: four field goals, including the 38‑yard clincher, gave Chicago a perfect 12‑point contribution from special teams.
Turnovers and Defensive Impact
Defense was the story’s true catalyst. Dennis Allen, the Bears’ defensive coordinator, promised "three takeaways a game" and delivered exactly that. The first came when safety Jonathan Brisker snatched a pass intended for McLaurin and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown‑setting field position.
Second, a crucial sack by Aidan Hutchinson forced a fumble that Swift recovered deep in Washington territory. The third—and most pivotal—came with three seconds left, when Daniels mishandled a wet snap, the ball popped free, and the Bears recovered at the 25‑yard line.
The turnovers directly produced 13 points, a margin that matched the final one‑point victory.
Coaching and Strategy
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson kept the play‑calling balanced, mixing quick slants with power runs to keep the Commanders’ defense guessing. Defensive leader Dan Quinn—who has built a reputation for aggressive schemes—found his plans stymied by the Bears' disciplined gap control and blitz packages.
Post‑game, CBS Sports HQ analysts Bryant McFadden and Emory Hunt summed it up: "The play doesn’t care who makes it. It just wants to be made," and they praised the Bears’ turnover rhythm as "contagious."
Broader Implications
This win cements Chicago as a serious NFC North contender. A 3‑2 record puts them half a game ahead of the Packers and within striking distance of the Vikings, who sit at 2‑3. The victory also showcases the Bears’ growing clutch gene—remember the "Hail Mary" collapse at this same stadium in 2024? That nightmare seems a distant memory.
For Washington, the loss drops them to 3‑3 in the NFC East, leaving them a heartbeat behind the Eagles (4‑2) and tied with the Giants. Their season now hinges on whether they can tighten up ball security in the rain‑soaked second half of the schedule.
Looking Ahead
Chicago’s next test comes against the Detroit Lions on October 27, a game that could solidify their division lead. If the Bears keep the turnover trend alive, they’ll likely stay in the playoff conversation well past the midway point.
Washington, meanwhile, returns home to face the New York Giants, a matchup that will test Dan Quinn’s ability to adjust his defense after a night of miscues. One thing’s clear: both teams will be studying this Monday night script for weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Bears' win affect the NFC North race?
Chicago jumps to a 3‑2 record, pulling a half‑game ahead of the Packers and two games ahead of the Vikings. If the Bears string together a few more close victories, they could sit atop the division heading into the holiday stretch.
What were the key factors behind Washington's loss?
Turnovers were the fatal flaw. A wet snap fumble in the final seconds and two earlier takeaways cost the Commanders more than a dozen points. Combine that with a defensive scheme that failed to pressure Caleb Williams, and the deficit became too big to overcome.
Will Jake Moody stay on the Bears' active roster?
Moody’s flawless performance—four for four, including the game‑winner—has already sparked talk of a permanent promotion. Coach Matt Eberflus praised his poise, so it’s likely the practice‑squad kicker will stay on the 53‑man roster.
How significant was the weather in shaping the game?
The rain‑slick grass made every snap a potential turnover. Both quarterbacks struggled with ball security, and the field‑goal unit had to adjust their timing. In short, the weather turned a standard contest into a high‑stakes scramble for possession.
What does this game mean for the upcoming Bears‑Lions rivalry?
A win over Washington reinforces Chicago’s confidence in close‑game situations. If they carry that momentum into Detroit, they’ll have a psychological edge, especially knowing they can rely on a clutch kicker and a turnover‑driven defense.
Popular Posts
Why would someone like horse racing over Car racing?
Jul, 26 2023
What does TT mean in motorbike racing?
May, 1 2023
How is race car driving a sport?
Aug, 1 2023