
When Jake Moody, the kicker for the Chicago Bears, nailed a 38‑yard field goal with three seconds left, the stadium erupted. The drama unfolded at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, on , giving the Bears a 16‑15 Monday Night Football victory over the Washington Commanders. The win pushed Chicago to 3‑2 on the season while Washington slipped to 3‑3.
How the Game Unfolded
Early in the first quarter, Caleb Williams, the quarterback for the Bears and former USC star, connected with rookie wideout Rome Odunze for a 12‑yard gain that set the tone. Williams also found veteran D.J. Moore on two crucial third‑down conversions.
The Commanders answered back when their own first‑round pick, Jayden Daniels, launched a 24‑yard pass to Deebo Samuel, but the drive stalled after a fumble caused by a slick snap in the damp grass. The ball rolled to the Bears’ 32‑yard line, setting up the eventual game‑winning kick.
Defensively, Chicago’s Jaquan Brisker stepped up mid‑second half, intercepting Daniels on a deep route intended for Samuel. Brisker sprinted 33 yards before being brought down, giving the Bears a short field and a two‑point lead.
Special Teams Under Pressure
The field‑goal unit looked shaky after a high snap from long‑snapper Tory Taylor, but special‑teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey kept his cool. After a brief timeout, Moody’s kick was good despite the wet footing, sealing Chicago’s win.
Coaching Perspectives
Head coach Ben Johnson, who took the reins on January 26, 2025, praised his squad’s focus. “We probably had the smallest menu heading into the week, and maybe that helped us execute better,” he told reporters in the post‑game press conference.
Williams, a native of Washington, D.C., reflected on the personal significance. “It felt great to be back in my hometown and win. The conditions weren’t perfect, but the team dug in and proved we can finish games,” he said.
Statistical Snapshot
- Final Score – Bears 16, Commanders 15
- Time of Decisive Kick – 00:03 left in 4th quarter
- Williams’ passing yards – 212
- Brisker’s interception return – 33 yards
- Corey Merritt (Bears RB) – 17 carries, 61 yards (3.6 avg)

Reactions From the Booth
CBS Sports’ analysts Bryant McFadden and Emory Hunt noted on October 14, 2025 that pre‑game chatter expected the Bears to struggle against Washington’s run defense. “That didn’t happen at all,” McFadden observed, adding that the Commanders also failed to dominate the ground game.
Play‑by‑play veteran Joe Smith highlighted the defensive breakthrough, saying, “One of the few things this defense has done well is create the takeaway.” His commentary underscored how Brisker’s pick shifted momentum.
What This Means Going Forward
Chicago’s three‑game winning streak after a winless start revives talk of a playoff push. With a 3‑2 record, the Bears now sit comfortably in the NFC North race, while Washington’s 3‑3 slate keeps them in a wild‑card chase. Both teams will look to iron out wet‑field woes before November’s colder contests.
For Johnson, the victory validates his early‑season adjustments on special teams and defense. “We’re building trust in the locker room,” he said, hinting at a possible shift in the team’s narrative from ‘can’t close’ to ‘can finish.’
Key Facts
- Jake Moody made the decisive 38‑yard field goal with 3 seconds remaining.
- Ben Johnson is Chicago’s head coach, hired in January 2025.
- Caleb Williams threw for 212 yards and two touchdowns.
- Jaquan Brisker’s 33‑yard interception return set up the final drive.
- Weather: Damp grass and a wet football affected snaps and holds throughout the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the weather affect the outcome?
The damp grass made the ball slippery, leading to a high snap on the final kick and a costly fumble by Jayden Daniels. Both teams struggled with footing, but Chicago’s special‑teams unit adapted quicker, allowing Moody to convert the winning field goal.
What does this win mean for the Bears’ playoff hopes?
At 3‑2, Chicago sits near the top of the NFC North and has shown it can win close games. If the trend continues, the Bears could secure a wild‑card spot even if they finish second in the division.
Who were the standout performers for Washington?
Quarterback Jayden Daniels threw for 184 yards before the fumble, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel had two key catches. Defensive back Trey Amos recorded three pass defenses, keeping the Bears’ offense in check for most of the game.
What adjustments did the Bears make after their early‑season struggles?
Coach Ben Johnson emphasized discipline on special teams and tighter coverage in the secondary. The improved snap routine and Brisker’s ball‑hawking instinct reflect those changes, allowing Chicago to close out games they previously lost.
When is the next matchup for both teams?
The Bears travel to Green Bay on November 2, 2025, while the Commanders host the Detroit Lions on November 3, 2025. Both games will be crucial for maintaining momentum in their respective divisions.