Bears Edge Commanders 25-24 on Monday Night: Moody’s Rain‑Soaked Game‑Winner

When Chicago Bears lifted a 25‑24 win over the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football, the streets of Landover, Maryland, got a brief glimpse of pure drama.

The showdown unfolded on October 13, 2025 at FedExField, under a steady drizzle that turned the field slick and the kicking game treacherous. As the clock wound down to 10:36 PM UTC, rookie kicker Jake Moody nailed his fourth field goal of the night – a 38‑yard effort that slipped through the rain‑soaked uprights and clinched the Bears’ 3‑2 record.

How the Game Unfolded: A Quarter‑by‑Quarter Recap

The first quarter saw the Bears jump ahead with two field goals and a short‑range rushing touchdown, piling up six points while keeping the Commanders scoreless. By halftime the Bears were up 13‑7, thanks to a 45‑yard pass from Caleb Williams that found wide receiver D.J. Moore for a first‑down grind.

Washington answered in the third quarter, stringing together a 10‑point surge that put them ahead 17‑13. Quarterback Jayden Daniels connected with Chris Moore for a 45‑yard touchdown, a play CBS Sports described as "absolutely unreal." The Commanders added a field goal to make it 24‑13 with just over five minutes left in the third.

What followed was a classic comeback narrative. The Bears rattled off a third‑quarter field goal, narrowing the gap to 24‑16. Early in the fourth, Williams threw a 12‑yard strike to D.J. Moore that set up a toe‑tapping extra point, pulling Chicago within two. With under two minutes on the clock, Daniels fumbled a snap on a crucial third‑down, and the Bears recovered at Washington’s 35‑yard line. Moody’s decisive kick three minutes later tipped the scales.

Key Performers and Statistical Snapshot

• Caleb Williams – 19/26, 211 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT.
• Jake Moody – 4/4 FG (31, 38, 45, 38 yards), 100% success in rain.
• Jayden Daniels – 17/29, 252 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT.
• Running back J. Croskey‑Merritt posted 108 rushing yards on 14 carries.
• Commanders’ RB J. Robinson managed 61 yards on 17 carries.

The Bears racked up 381 total yards to Washington’s 329, but the Commanders held the ball longer – 31:34 versus 28:26. Penalties favored Chicago, though: nine calls costing 84 yards versus Washington’s five for 40. Crucially, Washington turned the ball over three times, while Chicago committed none.

Defensive Highlights and Turnover Battle

Defensive back Jordan Brisker intercepted a pass intended for Deebo Samuel near the 35‑yard line, then raced 33 yards for a defensive touchdown that the commentary team called "one of the few things this defense has done well."

Linebacker Bobby Wagner led the Bears with 13 total tackles (4 solo), while his namesake on Washington posted nine stops. The clash of the messengers underscored a gritty, back‑and‑forth battle that kept the scoreboard ticking late into the night.

Why the Rain Made All the Difference

Monday night’s drizzle turned the kicking unit into a spotlight act. Moody’s rhythm didn’t wobble; he claimed the wet ball gave him a firmer grip on the laces. "You just have to trust the snap and the hold," he told reporters in the locker room. The weather also forced both offenses to rely more on short, high‑percentage passes, which helped Williams stay efficient despite the slick conditions.

Coaches’ Reactions and What This Means Going Forward

Head coach of the Bears, Matt Eberflus, praised the team’s resilience: "We blew a 13‑point lead, but we never lost belief. Jake’s kicks and our defense kept us alive."

Washington’s coach, Ron Rivera, expressed disappointment over the fumble that sparked the comeback. "We executed well for most of the game, but a single turnover can flip the script," he said.

Both teams remain in the middle of the NFC East scramble. The Bears, now 3‑2, sit a game behind the division leader, while the Commanders drop to 3‑3, tightening the race for the playoff spots.

Officiating and Broadcast Details

The crew was led by referee Alex Moore, with down judge Dana McKenzie, back judge Terrence Miles, field judge Mearl Robinson, side judge Anthony Jeffries, umpire Terry Killens Jr., and line judge Thomas Eaton. The game aired nationally on ABC, drawing an estimated 12.4 million viewers.

What’s Next for Both Franchises

Chicago heads to Lambeau Field next week to take on the Green Bay Packers, a matchup that will test whether the Bears can sustain their offensive rhythm without the rain‑assisted kicking edge.

Washington travels to Levi’s Stadium to face the San Francisco 49ers. If Daniels can stay upright and limit turnovers, the Commanders could still clinch a wild‑card berth.