Bears Edge Commanders in Primetime Thriller as Moody Nails Winning FG
Game Recap: Bears Edge Commanders
The Chicago Bears secured a thrilling 25-24 victory over the Washington Commanders in a primetime showdown. Jake Moody, making his debut in place of Cairo Santos, sealed the win with a 38-yard field goal as time expired. This pivotal moment showcased the Bears' resilience under pressure.
Key Details
D'Andre Swift played a crucial role, contributing significantly with both rushing and receiving yards. Quarterback Caleb Williams also performed admirably, throwing for over 250 yards and rushing for a touchdown. The Bears' defense managed crucial takeaways, including a late fumble recovery that shifted momentum in their favor.
Impact
This win highlights the Bears' ability to overcome adversity and capitalize on opportunities. After starting 0-2, they have now positioned themselves well in the NFC North. The team's performance under challenging conditions bodes well for future matchups.
About the People Mentioned
Jake Moody
Jake Moody (born November 23, 1999) is an American professional football placekicker currently playing for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at the University of Michigan, where he was a standout kicker, earning All-American honors twice and winning the prestigious Lou Groza Award in 2021, given annually to the nation’s top collegiate placekicker. Moody set several records at Michigan, including most field goals in a single game and achieving a career-long 59-yard field goal[2][3][4]. Moody was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round (99th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft, making him one of the few kickers selected within the top 100 picks in recent NFL history. This marked a notable achievement as kickers are rarely drafted so high. He was part of a rare kicker and punter tandem drafted the same year from Michigan[2]. After beginning his professional career with the 49ers, Moody joined the Chicago Bears practice squad in 2023. When Bears’ veteran kicker Cairo Santos was injured, Moody was elevated to the active roster. In his debut for the Bears, Moody made a strong impression by kicking four of five field goals, including a game-winning 38-yard field goal against the Washington Commanders. This performance set a Bears record for most field goals in a debut game and earned widespread praise for his composure under pressure[1][6][7]. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 210 pounds, Moody is known for his calm demeanor and reliability in high-pressure situations. As of 2025, he remains a key special teams player for the Chicago Bears, continuing to build his professional career after a decorated college tenure[4][5].
Cairo Santos
Cairo Santos is a Brazilian-born professional American football placekicker currently playing for the Chicago Bears in the NFL. Born on November 12, 1991, in São Paulo, Brazil, he is recognized as the first Brazilian-born player to make an opening-day NFL roster. Santos played college football at Tulane University, where he set notable records and achieved a streak of 26 consecutive field goals, nearing the NCAA record. His college career was marked by resilience, as he continued to perform at a high level despite personal tragedy with the loss of his father in 2013[5][6]. Undrafted in 2014, Santos signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and has since played for several NFL teams, including the New York Jets, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tennessee Titans, and currently the Chicago Bears. Over his 12-year NFL career, he has compiled an 85.5% field goal conversion rate in regular-season games and is perfect in postseason attempts, making all seven of his playoff field goals[1][2]. Santos has earned multiple accolades, including AFC Special Teams Player of the Week twice in 2020 and NFC Special Teams Player of the Month for December 2020. That year marked a breakout season, with a field goal accuracy of 93.8%, one of the highest in the league[4]. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 173 pounds, Santos is known for his consistency and clutch kicking ability, including several game-winning field goals. He credits the support of teammates like punter Pat O’Donnell for his success. Santos is regarded as one of the best kickers in Chicago Bears history, drawing comparisons to former star Robbie Gould[4]. As of the 2025 NFL season, Santos remains an active and important player for the Chicago Bears, contributing to their special teams unit[1].
D'Andre Swift
D'Andre Swift is an American professional football running back currently playing for the Chicago Bears in the NFL. Born on January 14, 1999, he played college football at the University of Georgia, where he gained recognition for his speed, agility, and versatility as a dual-threat back. Swift was selected in the second round, 35th overall, of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions[1][4]. During his rookie season with the Lions, Swift appeared in 13 games, starting four, and recorded 114 carries for 521 rushing yards along with eight rushing touchdowns. He also contributed significantly as a receiver out of the backfield, showcasing his strong receiving skills[4][5]. After several seasons with Detroit, he joined the Chicago Bears, where he continues to be a key offensive player. In the 2023 season, Swift demonstrated his dynamic playmaking ability, including notable runs such as a 17-yard sharp cut rush and a 35-yard end-around run, which was the longest play of the night during a Monday Night Football game. He scored his fourth rushing touchdown of the season in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs, highlighting his impact in crucial moments[6]. Swift's playing style is characterized by his speed, agility, and ability to make sharp cuts, making him effective in both rushing and receiving roles. At 5'8" and 204 pounds, he combines power and quickness to exploit defenses[1][5]. As of the latest updates, he holds a "questionable" status for upcoming games, reflecting ongoing considerations about his health or availability[1]. Overall, D'Andre Swift is recognized as a talented and versatile running back with significant contributions in the NFL and remains relevant as a key player for the Chicago Bears.
Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Chicago Bears in the NFL. Born on November 18, 2001, in Washington, D.C., Williams first gained national attention as a highly ranked high school quarterback at Gonzaga College High School. He began his collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma in 2021, where he notably led a dramatic comeback victory against the University of Texas as a freshman. Williams transferred to the University of Southern California (USC) for his sophomore and junior seasons, where he established himself as one of college football's premier players. In 2022, he won the Heisman Trophy, becoming USC’s eighth recipient of the award. That season, he set multiple USC single-season records, including total offense yards (4,919), passing completions (333), and touchdown passes (42). He also secured prestigious honors such as the Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Award, and was named the Associated Press Player of the Year. Williams was recognized as a unanimous First Team All-American and led USC to a Pac-12 Championship appearance. In the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams was selected first overall by the Chicago Bears. He is regarded as the franchise’s potential franchise quarterback, tasked with revitalizing a team that has historically lacked a 4,000-yard passer in a season. His rookie season with the Bears marks a critical point in his professional career and the team's future[1][2][4][5][6]. Williams stands 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs around 215–226 pounds. His combination of passing accuracy, rushing ability, and leadership has made him a significant figure in both college and professional football[1][2][3].
About the Organizations Mentioned
Chicago Bears
The **Chicago Bears** are a historic professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois, and one of the NFL's charter members, founded in 1920 as the Decatur Staleys before moving to Chicago in 1921 and adopting their current name in 1922[1][2][7]. They compete in the NFC North division and have a significant legacy marked by **nine NFL championships**, including eight pre-Super Bowl NFL titles and one Super Bowl victory in 1985 (Super Bowl XX), making them second only to the Green Bay Packers in total championships won[1][3][4]. The Bears are renowned for pioneering contributions to the game, including being the first NFL team to buy a player from another team in 1922 and playing in the first NFL indoor game in 1932[1]. Their dominant era was notably under the leadership of George Halas—nicknamed "Papa Bear"—who was a founder, player, coach, owner, and general manager. Halas coached the team in four separate stints over nearly five decades, amassing 324 victories, a record that stood for 27 years, and shaping the Bears into a football powerhouse[1][2][6]. Under his guidance, the Bears won multiple championships in the 1940s, including the legendary 73-0 victory over the Washington Redskins in 1940, a record for the largest margin of victory in NFL history[1][2][6]. The Bears have produced 39 Hall of Fame players, hold the record for the most retired jersey numbers (14), and have the most members in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (29), underscoring their historical and cultural impact on the sport[3]. They also innovated offensive strategies, developing the T-formation offense that revolutionized the quarterback position and offensive play[3]. Although the Bears have struggled in recent decades with sporadic playoff appearances and fewer winning seasons, they remain a storied franchise with
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are a storied National Football League (NFL) franchise based in Washington, D.C., competing in the National Football Conference (NFC) East division[2][3]. The organization’s core business is professional American football, operating as one of the league’s most valuable and historically significant teams, with a large fan base and extensive media presence[1][6]. ## History Founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves, the team relocated to Washington, D.C., in 1937 and became the Redskins—a name it retained for over 80 years before controversy over cultural sensitivity led to its retirement in 2020[1][2]. After two seasons as the Washington Football Team, the franchise rebranded as the Commanders in 2022, reflecting a modernized identity amid broader social changes[1][3]. In 2023, the team was acquired by new owner Josh Harris, signaling a new era in leadership and potential strategic direction[1]. ## Key Achievements The Commanders’ legacy includes two NFL championships (1937, 1942) and three Super Bowl victories (Super Bowl XVII in 1983, XXII in 1988, and XXVI in 1992)[2][4][5]. These triumphs, especially the dominant 1991 season culminating in Super Bowl XXVI, are celebrated highlights in franchise history[5]. The team has also won multiple division titles and boasts a roster of Hall of Fame players, including Sammy Baugh, John Riggins, and Darrell Green[2][4]. Notably, the Commanders were pioneers in sports media, launching the NFL’s first marching band (1937), first radio network (1944), and first fully televised season (1950)[6]. ## Current Status and Notable Aspects Despite past glories, the Commanders have faced challenges in recent decades, with limited playoff success since the late 1990s[
