Picture this: the Chicago Bears turning the tables in a dramatic comeback victory, erasing the sting of a loss that nearly derailed their entire season. It's the kind of redemption story that grips sports fans everywhere, and it's exactly what unfolded recently. But here's where it gets really intriguing – how did one Hail Mary touchdown last year set off such wildly different paths for these two teams? Let's dive into the details and unpack this thrilling turn of events.
Back in October of the previous year, the Washington Commanders pulled off a stunning upset against the Chicago Bears, capping the game with a desperate, long-range pass – often called a 'Hail Mary' in football lingo – that sailed 52 yards for a touchdown as the clock hit zero (you can relive the chaos here: https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nfl/commanders-defeat-bears-wild-52-yard-hail-mary-touchdown-final-play-ga-rcna177525). This shocking outcome sent the Commanders soaring, while it plunged the Bears into turmoil. Under the guidance of rookie sensation Jayden Daniels – who became the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft – the Commanders only dropped three more regular-season contests and advanced all the way to the NFC championship game. Meanwhile, the Bears, quarterbacked by their own rookie Caleb Williams (the top draft pick that year), suffered a nine-game skid right after that defeat. Chicago even made the unprecedented move of dismissing head coach Matt Eberflus midseason (details in this article: https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/football/chicago-bears-fire-matt-ebeflus-thanksgiving-day-game-rcna182235) during a 10-game losing streak, wrapping up the year with a dismal 5-12 record.
Fast-forward to this past Monday, and the tables flipped completely. The squads clashed once more under a steady drizzle in Maryland, and this time, it was the Bears who emerged victorious, 25-24, with the winning points coming right as time ran out. Williams orchestrated the comeback, steering his team to triumph in a nail-biting finish.
Post-game, Bears head coach Ben Johnson reflected on the significance, noting how this win reflects the team's evolving mindset. 'It says a lot about our locker room right now,' he shared. 'They’re not just believing, but now they’re starting to understand, if this thing is close in the fourth quarter, someone is going to step up and make a play for us.' He went on to emphasize that 'I think these wins, sometimes, can go a longer way for your program than those blowouts do.' For those new to football, 'blowouts' refer to games where one team dominates with a big lead, while tight wins like this build resilience and confidence in the clutch moments that define championships.
Johnson, previously the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions from 2022 to 2024, took the reins in Chicago specifically to revitalize Williams's career following a rocky debut season and to foster a winning culture in a franchise that hasn't tasted playoff victory since 2010. And this isn't just about one game – it's about long-term growth. Chicago has plenty of ground to cover to meet those lofty ambitions, but Monday's result, exactly 351 days after that humiliating setback, signaled tangible advancement.
Unlike the previous year's collapse against the Commanders, this iteration of the Bears bounced back from multiple blunders to secure the win. It wasn't a flawless performance; Chicago dealt with a blocked field goal attempt (where the opposing team's kick is stopped before it can score), a turnover on downs (losing possession when failing to gain enough yards), and challenges in the red zone (the area near the opponent's goal line where scoring is most likely). Yet, just as they did the week before, Williams rose to the occasion, directing a pivotal fourth-quarter drive that put the team ahead. He racked up 252 passing yards and accounted for two touchdowns total, showcasing his poise.
'I think being able to stay strong in those moments mentally is most important and that’s what I did, that’s what we did,' Williams explained afterward, referring to maintaining composure amid the game's highs and lows. 'We stayed steady through all the ups and downs that we had and adversity that we had throughout this game. We stayed steady as a team mentally. We didn’t flinch and we kept going.' This mental toughness is a key trait for quarterbacks, helping teams navigate pressure situations without crumbling.
Williams hasn't been carrying the load solo in these recent successes. In a previous 25-24 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders during Week 4, the Bears' special teams unit (the group handling kicks, returns, and other niche plays) blocked a late field goal that could have sealed the opponent's win. Against Washington, the defense created two turnovers (forcing the other team to lose possession) and recovered a fumbled handoff from Daniels, setting up the decisive extra point. The kicker? Jake Moody, in his debut for Chicago after joining the practice squad in September. These team-wide contributions highlight how football victories often stem from collective effort, not just star players.
This triumph must have felt particularly gratifying for Williams personally. Last season, Daniels overshadowed him, raising doubts about whether the Bears had selected the wrong quarterback with the No. 1 pick. And this is the part most people miss – Williams is now outperforming Daniels in several statistical categories, averaging more passing yards per game and totaling more touchdowns through passing and rushing, all while his team boasts a superior record. 'You play versus great players, you want to have those games, have those moments, where you’re playing versus somebody else on the opposite side, where you’re going to have a battle,' Williams remarked. '[Daniels] knows that. I know that.' It's a classic quarterback rivalry, fueling debates among fans about who truly deserves the top billing.
After stumbling out of the gate with an 0-2 record, Chicago has now rattled off three consecutive wins to stand at 3-2. Interestingly, they were in a comparable position last year, heading into that fateful Commanders matchup at 4-2. But unlike before, the Bears departed Washington with a win instead of a crushing blow. With a fresh coaching staff and Williams hitting his stride, the franchise seems poised for a brighter future.
Yet, here's where it gets controversial: was the firing of Eberflus midseason the right call, or did it unnecessarily shake up a rebuilding team? Some argue it was a bold move to jolt the squad, while others wonder if patience might have paid off. And what about the QB debate – does Williams's recent success prove he was the better pick, or could Daniels still surge ahead? These questions spark heated discussions among NFL enthusiasts. What do you think? Do you side with the Bears' turnaround as a sign of better days ahead, or do you believe the franchise's woes run deeper? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear differing opinions!
Rohan Nadkarni (https://www.nbcnews.com/author/rohan-nadkarni-ncpn1310269)
Rohan Nadkarni is a sports reporter for NBC News.
