In a rain-soaked, thrilling Monday night clash between the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders, Jake Moody became an instant hero, sealing a 25-24 victory with a game-winning field goal as time expired. The win improved the Bears’ record to 3-2, while the Commanders dropped to 3-3 on the season.
The game, held at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, was an intense back-and-forth affair, punctuated by late-game drama, turnovers, and clutch performances from both teams. While the Chicago Bears’ offense and defense battled through adversity, it was Moody—who was only signed by the Bears earlier in the week to replace the injured Cairo Santos—who would prove to be the game’s unsung hero.
Moody’s Dramatic Debut with the Bears
Moody’s first appearance for the Bears couldn’t have come in a more pressure-packed scenario. With the game tied at 24-24, the Bears found themselves with one final opportunity to claim victory. Following a fumble by Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels late in the fourth quarter, the Bears’ defense recovered the ball, giving the offense a chance to march down the field with just seconds remaining.
With veteran holder Tory Taylor and long snapper Scott Daly ensuring a flawless operation, Moody took the field to attempt a 38-yard field goal as a light mist fell over the stadium. The tension in the air was palpable. With the entire game on the line, Moody didn’t flinch. The ball sailed through the uprights, giving the Bears a hard-earned 25-24 victory and cementing Moody’s place in Chicago football history.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better start with this team,” said Moody, reflecting on his dramatic debut. “The guys did a great job making sure everything was perfect. A huge shoutout to Tory, Scott, and the offensive line for their protection. It’s a great feeling to help the team win in my first game with them.”
Moody’s four field goals in the game not only earned the Bears their win but also set a new team record for the most field goals in a debut game, according to ESPN. His clutch performance, especially in the final moments, has already endeared him to Bears fans, who are hopeful that Moody can become a reliable contributor moving forward.
Early Bears Dominance
The game started on a promising note for the Bears, who jumped out to an early 13-0 lead in the first half. Moody’s accuracy was evident from the start, as he nailed two field goals—one from 47 yards and another from 32 yards. His early contributions gave the Bears an edge, while second-year quarterback Caleb Williams added a 6-yard touchdown run in the second quarter to stretch the lead.
However, the Commanders weren’t going to let the game slip away that easily. Washington responded in the second quarter with a 22-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to wide receiver Chris Moore. The Commanders then added another score in the third quarter after an eight-play, 25-yard drive ended with a 40-yard field goal by kicker Matt Gay. By the end of the third quarter, Washington had narrowed the Bears’ lead to 19-17, setting the stage for a dramatic fourth quarter.
Late-Game Thrills and Momentum Shifts
The momentum swung back and forth as the final quarter unfolded. Washington’s offense, led by Daniels, surged in the final minutes. Daniels orchestrated back-to-back scoring drives, first finding tight end Zach Ertz for a 6-yard touchdown, then connecting with wide receiver Luke McCaffrey for a 33-yard touchdown pass. With these two scores, the Commanders took a 24-19 lead, putting the Bears in a difficult position with less than four minutes to go.
But Williams and the Bears weren’t ready to give up just yet. The young quarterback, who has been a revelation for Chicago this season, bounced back immediately after the Commanders’ scoring run. On a crucial drive, Williams hit running back D’Andre Swift on a short pass, and Swift turned it into a spectacular 55-yard touchdown run, showcasing his vision, agility, and breakaway speed. Swift weaved through several Commanders defenders, shaking off tackles and breaking into the open field for the score. The Bears’ two-point conversion attempt failed, however, leaving them trailing by just two points with 2:30 remaining in the game.
Despite the setback, the Bears’ defense came up big once again. On the next possession, Daniels fumbled a handoff that resulted in a critical turnover. The Bears’ defense was quick to recover, providing the offense with one last opportunity to win the game.
Moody’s Redemption After Blocked Kick
While Moody’s final kick was the highlight of his performance, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the kicker. Earlier in the game, Moody had a 43-yard attempt blocked by Washington’s defense. It was a setback that could have shaken a lesser player, but Moody quickly regrouped, staying focused and ready for the next opportunity. His resilience paid off as he successfully converted all of his other field goal attempts, including the game-winning 38-yarder.
“I’ve been through ups and downs in my career, so I wasn’t going to let one block get to me,” Moody said. “The important thing was staying ready for the next kick. The team gave me a chance, and I’m just glad I was able to help us win.”
Williams, Swift Shine for the Bears
While Moody stole the spotlight with his game-winning field goal, it was Caleb Williams and D’Andre Swift who helped get the Bears into position for the victory. Williams completed 17 of 29 passes for 252 yards, adding a touchdown pass and showing his trademark poise under pressure. He spread the ball around, connecting with eight different receivers throughout the game.
Swift had a monster game, contributing both as a receiver and a runner. He finished with 14 carries for 108 yards, as well as two catches for 67 yards. His 55-yard touchdown run was the game’s defining moment and brought the Bears back from the brink.
Commanders’ Daniels Shows Promise
Despite the loss, Washington’s Jayden Daniels had an impressive performance, completing 19 of 26 passes for 211 yards and three touchdowns. His performance kept the Commanders competitive throughout the game, but the critical fumble late in the game ultimately proved to be the turning point. Daniels will need to continue developing his decision-making skills, but his ability to lead Washington’s offense is certainly promising.
Conclusion: A Thrilling Victory for the Bears
In what was a thrilling and emotional contest, Jake Moody’s game-winning field goal will be remembered as the moment that solidified his place in Bears history. Chicago’s defense, led by key turnovers, and a dynamic offensive effort from Williams and Swift were key components of the win, but it was Moody’s coolness under pressure that ultimately secured the victory.
The Bears, now 3-2, will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup as they continue to establish themselves as contenders in the NFC. With the team’s confidence growing and Moody’s clutch performance, the Bears’ season is shaping up to be one full of promise and potential.
