When Chicago Bears knocked off the Washington Commanders 25‑24 on Monday Night Football, the upset felt like sweet revenge after a Hail‑Mary loss a year earlier.
The drama unfolded at Soldier Field on October 13, 2025, with 51,100 fans watching a game that swung on a single fumble and a walk‑off field goal.
What made the win even more intriguing was the roster shuffle on both sides – the Bears entered the contest without veteran kicker Cairo Santos and an unnamed "Jarrett" listed as inactive, while Washington listed emergency quarterback Josh Johnson and several key skill players on the sidelines.
Pre‑game Inactives and Their Impact
According to the Windy City Gridiron report released at 4:30 PM EDT, the Bears’ only confirmed absences were Santos – the league’s 2024 point‑scorer with 151 points – and a player recorded simply as "Jarrett." Most analysts interpreted that name as a typo for safety Eddie Jackson, who had started every game since 2017. Whether it was Jackson or a lesser‑known backup, the Bears were forced to rely on kicker Chris Blewitt, who had been handling duties since the mid‑season.
Washington’s inactive list was even messier. The team’s official site listed four players: Josh Johnson (Emergency QB), Terry McLaurin (wide receiver), and linebackers Ale Kaho and Kain Medrano. A separate outlet, Windy City Gridiron, added guard Brandon Coleman and an unnamed wide receiver, but the discrepancy never got fully explained.
These gaps mattered. McLaurin had been Washington’s top target in 2024, and without him the Commanders leaned heavily on rookie wideout Jahan Dotson, who ended the game with seven catches for 98 yards. On the Bears’ side, the loss of Santos meant no guaranteed 100‑plus‑yard field‑goal specialist, a fact that loomed over the late‑game strategy.
The Game Unfolds: Key Plays and Turning Points
From the opening kickoff, the atmosphere was electric. Caleb Williams, the Bears’ first‑overall pick in 2024, threw for 187 yards and a touchdown, while running back Roschon Johnson added 140 rushing yards. Washington, quarterback Jayden Daniels (the 2024 Heisman winner) moved the ball efficiently through the air, putting up 312 passing yards.
Midway through the third quarter, Washington held a 24‑16 lead, thanks to a 35‑yard strike to Dotson that set up a short rushing TD. The Bears answered with a late fourth‑quarter drive that cut the deficit to two points, setting the stage for the final minute.
The twist came at the 1:12 mark. Daniels, trying to scramble out of a pocket collapse, fumbled the ball at the Bears’ 15‑yard line. The turnover was recovered by defensive end Eric Washington (defensive coordinator) – an ironic namesake – and the Bears lined up for a 35‑yard attempt.
Chris Blewitt, thrust into the spotlight, slotted the field goal as time expired. The kick was clean, the crowd erupted, and the scoreboard flashed 25‑24. As CBS Sports put it, "Jayden Daniels' fumble leads to walk‑off FG as Chicago gets revenge for Hail Mary."
Coach and Player Reactions
After the game, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus praised his squad: "We stayed disciplined, we capitalized on every mistake, and the kids showed poise under pressure," he said in the post‑game press conference.
Daniels, visibly upset, admitted, "I lost the ball because I was trying to make a play. It hurts, but it’s a game. I’ll learn from it and we’ll bounce back next week." The Commanders’ defensive coordinator also expressed frustration, noting, "Three turnovers in the final quarter are unacceptable. We’ll need to tighten up our ball security."
Post‑game Analysis and What It Means for Washington
The loss dropped Washington to 4‑2, a record that still keeps them in the playoff conversation but erases the chance to move to 5‑1. Analysts highlighted the three fourth‑quarter turnovers – two interceptions and Daniels’ fumble – as the decisive factor.
Statistically, the Commanders actually outgained Chicago, racking up 389 total yards (312 passing, 77 rushing) versus the Bears’ 327. Yet the turnover differential swung –2 in Washington’s favor, turning yardage advantage into a defeat.
Sportswriter Mike Florio of CBS Sports summed it up: "Washington moved the ball well, but they couldn’t protect it. In the NFL, the ball is the most valuable asset you have."
Looking Ahead: Week 7 Outlook
Both clubs now turn to Week 7. The Bears, at 3‑3, travel to Detroit to face the Lions, hoping to continue their uptick in confidence. Their offense, now led by the poise of Williams and the emerging ground game of Johnson, looks balanced.
Washington, meanwhile, will host the New York Giants. The biggest question is whether McLaurin returns. If he does, the Commanders regain a deep threat that could open up the route tree for Dotson and other receivers.
One thing’s clear: the inactives list may change, but the impact of every roster decision will be magnified as the race for the NFC East and NFC North tightens.
Key Facts
- Final Score: Bears 25, Commanders 24
- Date & Venue: October 13, 2025, Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- Turnover Differential: Bears +2, Commanders –2
- Game‑Winning Play: Chris Blewitt 35‑yard field goal after Jayden Daniels' fumble
- Inactives Highlight: Cairo Santos (Bears), Josh Johnson, Terry McLaurin (Commanders)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Cairo Santos listed as inactive?
The Bears cited a minor calf strain that kept Santos out of practice leading up to the game. While the team didn’t provide a detailed injury report, the decision forced rookie kicker Chris Blewitt into the crucial field‑goal role.
Did the missing "Jarrett" affect the Bears’ defense?
Most experts believe the name referred to safety Eddie Jackson, who had been a starter for years. His absence shifted more coverage responsibility onto cornerback Jaylon Johnson, but the defense still forced three turnovers, proving the depth chart held up.
How critical was Terry McLaurin’s injury to Washington’s offense?
McLaurin accounted for 27.3 % of the Commanders’ 2024 receiving yards. Without him, the team leaned heavily on Jahan Dotson, who performed well but couldn’t fully replace McLaurin’s route‑running and clutch playmaking.
What does the win mean for the Bears’ NFC North hopes?
Chicago’s 3‑3 record keeps them in the tight race for the division lead. A win on the road next week could catapult them into a tie for first place, while a loss would see them fall behind the Vikings and Packers.
Will the Commanders’ turnover issues likely continue?
Turnover drills have been a focus in Washington’s offseason, but the three critical errors in the fourth quarter suggest execution lapses remain. Coach Ron Rivera emphasized a “ball‑security” emphasis in the upcoming practice.
