When Jake Moody, the kicker filling in for the injured Cairo Santos, nailed a 38‑yard field goal as the clock hit zero, the Chicago Bears turned a nail‑biting Monday Night Football showdown into a 25‑24 victory over the Washington Commanders on Oct. 13, 2025. The drama unfolded at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, where slick turf and a slushy breeze turned every snap into a test of nerves. With the Bears now 3‑2 overall and the Commanders slipping to 3‑3, the win reshapes the NFC North chase and adds a fresh layer of intrigue to the early‑season race.
Game Overview
The Monday night lights cast a hazy glow over the wet field, but the action was anything but dull. Chicago struck first with a short‑range field goal, then added a late‑second‑quarter touchdown to go up 13‑7 at halftime. Washington answered in the third, twice, cutting the margin to a single point before the Bears reclaimed a three‑point edge late in the fourth. The final drive saw the Bears inside Commanders’ 35‑yard line; a high snap and a slick hold forced Moody to trust his leg, and the ball sailed through the uprights as the stadium held its breath.
Key Performances
Caleb Williams proved why the new‑generation quarterback is still a starter, completing 17 of 29 passes for 252 yards, a single touchdown, and a passer rating of 98.6. He kept the Bears moving with a crisp 34‑yard strike to D'Andre Swift, who later turned a short handoff into a 55‑yard touchdown reception – the longest play of the night and a personal career high.
Swift’s ground game was also impressive: 14 carries for 108 yards, his best rushing total of the season. On the other side, J. Daniels of Washington tossed 25 of 21 passes for 211 yards and a touchdown, though a typo in the official stats suggests the attempts were actually 21 of 25. Running back J. Croskey‑Merritt chugged 17 carries for 61 yards, while wideout C. Moore snagged two catches for 46 yards and a score.
Turning Points and Turnovers
The Bears’ defense made a decisive play midway through the third quarter. Safety Brisker leapt in front of a pass intended for Washington’s Samuel, snatching an interception at the 35‑yard line and sprinting 33 yards before being tackled. The turnover set up a field‑goal try that pushed Chicago’s lead back to three points, a cushion that held until the final kick.
Overall, Chicago forced one turnover while Washington committed three, a disparity that helped the Bears stay ahead despite the Commanders holding a 31:34 time‑of‑possession edge over Chicago’s 28:26.
Impact on Division Race
With the win, the Bears sit tied for second place in the NFC North alongside the Minnesota Vikings, both clubs sporting 3‑2 records. The Green Bay Packers still command the division at 3‑1‑1, while the Detroit Lions trail at 4‑2. In the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles maintain a slim lead at 4‑2; Washington’s loss drops them to a .500 mark, two games behind the Eagles.
For Chicago, the victory marks their third straight win after an 0‑2 start, a turnaround that has fans buzzing about a potential playoff push. The Commanders, by contrast, have now lost three consecutive games after a promising 3‑0 opening run, leaving questions about defensive consistency and offensive rhythm.
Injuries and Aftermath
Late in the fourth quarter, wide receiver DJ Moore suffered an undisclosed injury on a contested catch. He was carted to a local hospital for observation and spent the night there, leaving the Bears without his 3‑reception, 42‑yard contribution for the night. The team released a brief statement saying Moore’s condition is “stable” and that he will undergo further evaluation.
Jake Moody, who finished the night 4‑for‑5 on field‑goal attempts, credited holder Tory Taylor for securing a clean snap despite a “bit high” trajectory, according to the broadcast crew. The successful kick, made under slippery conditions, will undoubtedly boost Moody’s confidence as the Bears head into Week 7.
Looking Ahead
Chicago’s next opponent comes in Week 7 (the schedule lists the rival as “to be determined” pending NFL realignment announcements). The Bears will aim to keep their road‑winning momentum alive, while also addressing the depth concerns highlighted by Moore’s injury.
Washington, meanwhile, must regroup quickly. Their coaching staff faces mounting pressure to tighten up pass protection—Williams was sacked only once, but the Commanders allowed three sacks and struggled to convert on third down (3 of 8). A win against a struggling NFC East foe could reignite their early‑season spark.
Key Facts
- Final score: Bears 25, Commanders 24.
- Game‑winning 38‑yard field goal by Jake Moody as time expired.
- Caleb Williams: 252 passing yards, 1 TD, 98.6 passer rating.
- D'Andre Swift: 108 rushing yards, 55‑yard TD reception.
- Turnovers: Bears 1, Commanders 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Jake Moody’s clutch kick affect his role with the Bears?
Moody’s 38‑yard game‑winner demonstrates that he can perform under pressure, likely securing the primary kicking duties even after Cairo Santos returns from injury. Coaches will probably keep him as the starter for at least the next few games, giving him a chance to build on his 4‑for‑5 night.
What led to the Bears’ three‑point advantage before the final kick?
A combination of a late fourth‑quarter field goal, a turnover by safety Brisker that set up a short drive, and D’Andre Swift’s 55‑yard touchdown reception gave Chicago a 25‑22 lead, forcing Washington into a final possession that ended with Moody’s field goal.
Which teams are directly affected in the NFC North after this win?
The Bears now share second place with the Vikings (both 3‑2). The Packers retain the division lead at 3‑1‑1, while the Lions sit a game behind at 4‑2. Chicago’s victory narrows the gap and forces the Vikings to keep winning to stay in contention.
What were the weather conditions, and how did they influence play?
Rain made the field slick and the ball slippery, which affected ball handling on both sides. The wet surface contributed to a higher number of penalties (9 for Chicago, 5 for Washington) and made Moody’s final snap feel “a bit high,” yet he still managed a clean kick.
What does the loss mean for Washington’s playoff hopes?
Dropping to 3‑3 puts the Commanders a half‑game behind the NFC East leader, the Eagles. They’ll need to swing momentum quickly, winning at least two of their next three games to stay in the wild‑card picture.
