Instant analysis from Bears' win over Commanders in Week 64 hours ago7 min read999 comments

The Chicago Bears didn't just exorcise a demon in their dramatic 25-24 victory over the Washington Commanders; they authored a redemption narrative worthy of the NFL's most storied franchises, finally laying to rest the ghost of last season's Hail Mary disaster that had hung over Halas Hall like a shroud. This wasn't merely a win; it was a statement of resilience, a testament to a newfound mental fortitude instilled by head coach Ben Johnson, whose arrival marks the most significant philosophical shift since the days of Ditka.While the final score was secured by the ice-cold veins of practice-squad call-up Jake Moody, whose 38-yard field goal as the clock expired will be immortalized in Bears lore, the victory was forged in the crucible of a complete team effort that showcased both explosive potential and gritty determination. Quarterback Caleb Williams, in a performance reminiscent of a young Russell Wilson in his game-managing prime, masterfully avoided the catastrophic turnover, completing 17-of-29 for 252 yards and a touchdown while adding a crucial rushing score, proving that franchise quarterbacks can win games with poise as effectively as they can with pyrotechnics.However, the true engine of the offense was the resurgent D'Andre Swift, a player who has faced more scrutiny than a Senate confirmation hearing during his tenure in Chicago. On this night, Swift was a force of nature, channeling the explosive cutback ability of a prime Barry Sanders as he gashed the Commanders' defense for 108 yards on just 14 carries—a staggering 7.7 yards per attempt—while also unleashing his dual-threat capability with two receptions for 67 yards and a touchdown, a tour de force that solidifies his place as the offensive centerpiece. The game's trajectory was a microcosm of the Bears' entire season: an initial burst of dominance leading to a 13-0 lead, followed by a seemingly inevitable collapse as Washington stormed back with 24 unanswered points, a sequence that would have shattered previous iterations of this team.Yet, under Johnson's steady hand, this squad displayed a championship-caliber composure, with the defense forcing a critical turnover and the offense engineering a flawless final drive under immense pressure, a sequence that separates playoff contenders from also-rans. Analytically, the Bears' efficiency on the ground, averaging over five yards per carry as a unit, and their success on third-and-manageable situations in the fourth quarter were the key underlying metrics that enabled the dramatic finish. Beating a Commanders team that was in the NFC Championship just a season ago provides a quality win that will resonate through the playoff picture come December, signaling that the Bears are no longer the league's punching bag but a legitimate force being rebuilt from the ground up, with this victory serving as the foundational stone upon which a new era is being constructed.