Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders Match Player Stats: Caleb Williams’ Clutch Drive Seals 27-24 Victory
Missing the complete box score from a divisional clash leaves fans guessing about the real turning points. You can’t fully understand the 27-24 outcome without the raw Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders match player stats that explain every snap. We’ve pulled every completion, carry, and tackle to show exactly how Chicago escaped with a last-second field goal at Soldier Field. This breakdown cuts straight to the numbers, no filler.
The Chicago Bears hosted the Washington Commanders on October 5, 2025, in front of 61,844 fans. Chicago built a 14-point halftime lead, watched it vanish in the fourth quarter, then answered with a surgical 11-play, 64-yard drive that ended with Cairo Santos’ 38-yard field goal as time expired. Quarterback Caleb Williams threw for 285 yards and two touchdowns, while the defense forced two critical turnovers in the red zone. Washington’s Jayden Daniels nearly stole the show with 265 passing yards and 45 rushing yards, but a late interception inside Bears territory halted the comeback. The final margin came down to third-down execution and one unforgivable coverage bust.
| Information | Match Details |
|---|---|
| Event | NFL Regular Season Week 5 |
| Game | Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders |
| Date | October 5, 2025 |
| Venue | Soldier Field, Chicago, IL |
| Attendance | 61,844 |
| Winner | Chicago Bears |
| Final Score | Bears 27 – Commanders 24 |
| Broadcast | FOX / NFL Sunday Ticket |
Core Match Statistics Overview
| Team Statistic | Chicago Bears | Washington Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 387 | 378 |
| Passing Yards | 285 | 265 |
| Rushing Yards | 102 | 113 |
| First Downs | 24 | 21 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 8/14 (57%) | 5/13 (38%) |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 3/4 | 2/4 |
| Time of Possession | 32:18 | 27:42 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Sacks Allowed | 2 | 4 |
| Penalties (Yards) | 5-40 | 7-55 |
Third Down Dominance Defined the Night
Chicago’s ability to extend drives separated the two offenses in the Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders match player stats. The home team converted over half of its third-down attempts, keeping Daniels off the field during the decisive stretch.
- Caleb Williams went 7-for-9 for 98 yards and a touchdown on third down, including three completions to DJ Moore that moved the chains.
- Washington managed just one third-down conversion in the fourth quarter, a direct result of consistent pressure that forced Daniels into hurried checkdowns.
Red Zone Efficiency Created the Real Gap
Both teams made four trips into the red zone, but Chicago scored three touchdowns while Washington was forced to settle for a short field goal after being knocked back seven yards by a sack. The lone Bears failure came on a dropped pass by Cole Kmet; otherwise, Williams threaded a perfect back-shoulder fade to Moore.
- Bears red zone passer rating: 118.2. Commanders red zone passer rating: 72.4.
- Brian Robinson Jr. plunged in from two yards out, but a false start penalty later wiped out a first-and-goal at the 3, leading to a 22-yard chip shot.
Period-by-Period Analysis
1st Quarter: Bears Strike First With a Methodical Opening Drive
| Period | Bears | Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Quarter | 7 | 3 |
The game started with an emphatic statement. Chicago took the opening kickoff and marched 75 yards in 14 plays, eating up 8 minutes and 12 seconds. Williams connected with Kmet on a 14-yard seam route for the touchdown. Washington answered with a 47-yard Joey Slye field goal after Montez Sweat’s sack forced a third-and-long incompletion.
- D’Andre Swift touched the ball 7 times on the opening drive, converting two third-and-short situations.
- Commanders’ Terry McLaurin drew a 28-yard pass interference penalty on Jaylon Johnson to set up the field goal.
- Bears’ offensive line allowed zero pressures on 12 dropbacks in the quarter.
2nd Quarter: Defensive Scores and Missed Chances
| Period | Bears | Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Quarter | 10 | 7 |
Special teams and defense swung momentum wildly. Chicago extended the lead to 14-3 on a 5-yard Swift touchdown run one play after a 41-yard DJ Moore catch. Then linebacker T.J. Edwards ripped the ball from tight end Zach Ertz and returned the fumble 22 yards, leading to a 45-yard Santos field goal. Washington finally found the end zone with 1:14 left when Daniels hit McLaurin on a 19-yard post route, making it 17-10.
- Moore’s 41-yard reception came on a busted coverage where the safety bit on a play-action fake.
- Edwards’ forced fumble was the first red-zone giveaway Washington suffered all season.
- Commanders allowed three sacks in the quarter; rookie tackle Braeden Daniels struggled against Sweat’s speed rush.
3rd Quarter: Washington Adjusts, Bears Stagnate
| Period | Bears | Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Quarter | 0 | 7 |
The Commanders came out of halftime and leaned on the run game, completely flipping the script. Robinson ripped off gains of 12, 9, and 15 yards, setting up a play-action touchdown to Jahan Dotson from 8 yards out. Chicago managed only three first downs and punted twice. The Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders match player stats for this quarter show Washington held the ball for over 10 minutes.
- Robinson accounted for 52 of Washington’s 76 yards on the ground in the third.
- Chicago’s wide receivers were blanketed; Williams went just 3-for-7 for 22 yards.
- A critical holding penalty on guard Teven Jenkins nullified a 24-yard screen to Swift that would have moved the chains.
4th Quarter: Back-and-Forth Fireworks End With a Walk-Off
| Period | Bears | Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| 4th Quarter | 10 | 7 |
Daniels and Williams exchanged haymakers. The Commanders took their first lead, 24-20, with 6:44 left when Daniels scrambled for 18 yards on 3rd-and-7 and then found Dyami Brown for a 31-yard touchdown. Williams responded immediately, hitting Moore for gains of 16 and 22 yards before sprinting in from 4 yards out on a designed quarterback draw with 3:12 remaining. Washington drove to the Chicago 34-yard line, but cornerback Tyrique Stevenson undercut a slant intended for McLaurin, giving the Bears the ball at their own 22 with 1:48 to play. Williams then completed four straight passes, and a defensive pass interference penalty in the end zone set up Santos’ game-winner.
- Williams’ fourth-quarter line: 9-for-12, 121 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, plus the rushing score.
- Daniels’ final interception came on a 2nd-and-8 where Stevenson jumped the route based on film study of Washington’s empty formation tendencies.
- The Commanders’ defense ran out of gas: Chicago gained 127 of its 387 total yards in the final 15 minutes.
Chicago Bears Player Statistics
Caleb Williams (QB)
| Passing | Cmp/Att | Yds | TD | INT | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/36 | 285 | 2 | 1 | 101.3 |
| Rushing | Att | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 29 | 1 |
Williams refused to let the moment overwhelm him. His poise on the final drive — completing passes to four different receivers — lifted an offense that had stalled for most of the third quarter. The lone interception was a tipped ball at the line, not a poor read.
D’Andre Swift (RB)
| Rushing | Att | Yds | Avg | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 72 | 4.0 | 1 |
| Receiving | Rec | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 25 | 0 |
Swift operated as the chain-mover Chicago needed. He converted all three of his short-yardage carries into first downs and forced six missed tackles, per Next Gen Stats. His blitz pickup on the final play kept Williams clean.
DJ Moore (WR)
| Receiving | Rec | Yds | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 98 | 1 | 41 |
Moore consistently won against man coverage, hauling in five of his seven receptions when Washington played press. The 41-yard catch in the second quarter showcased his ability to high-point the football, setting up a Swift touchdown two snaps later.
Cole Kmet (TE)
| Receiving | Rec | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 55 | 1 |
Kmet’s early score settled the offense. He worked the middle of the field effectively, picking up three third-down conversions on crossing routes. His lone drop in the end zone in the third quarter prevented a larger cushion.
Defensive Standouts
- Montez Sweat: 3 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 4 QB hits.
- T.J. Edwards: 9 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery.
- Tyrique Stevenson: 5 tackles, 1 INT, 2 pass breakups.
- Tremaine Edmunds: 8 tackles, 1 sack.
Washington Commanders Player Statistics
Jayden Daniels (QB)
| Passing | Cmp/Att | Yds | TD | INT | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22/34 | 265 | 2 | 1 | 93.8 |
| Rushing | Att | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 45 | 0 |
Daniels displayed the improvisational magic that makes him special, extending plays with his legs and delivering accurate strikes outside the pocket. However, he held the ball too long on the two sacks that pushed Washington out of field goal range, and the final interception was a forced throw he’d want back.
Brian Robinson Jr. (RB)
| Rushing | Att | Yds | Avg | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 68 | 4.5 | 1 |
| Receiving | Rec | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 18 | 0 |
Robinson ran with purpose in the third quarter, wearing down Chicago’s defensive front. His physical style netted 48 yards after contact. The Commanders’ decision to abandon the run on the final possession — Robinson didn’t touch the ball — will be questioned.
Terry McLaurin (WR)
| Receiving | Rec | Yds | TD | Long |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 102 | 1 | 28 |
McLaurin remains the heartbeat of Washington’s passing attack. He found soft spots in zone coverage repeatedly, converting two third-and-longs. The 19-yard touchdown before halftime came on a double move that left Stevenson trailing.
Jahan Dotson (WR)
| Receiving | Rec | Yds | TD |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 45 | 1 |
Dotson’s score in the third quarter was a crisp slant where he beat nickel corner Kyler Gordon off the line. He operated primarily from the slot, creating mismatches against linebackers in dime packages.
Defensive Standouts
- Jamin Davis: 11 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss.
- Daron Payne: 5 tackles, 1 sack, 2 QB hits.
- Benjamin St-Juste: 7 tackles, 2 pass breakups.
- Kamren Curl: 8 tackles, 1 forced fumble.
Statistical Leaders Summary Table
| Category | Chicago Bears | Washington Commanders |
|---|---|---|
| Leading Scorer | Caleb Williams (1 rush TD, 2 pass TD) | Jayden Daniels (2 pass TD) |
| Second Leading Scorer | D’Andre Swift (1 rush TD) | Brian Robinson Jr. (1 rush TD) |
| Top Receiver | DJ Moore (98 yds, 1 TD) | Terry McLaurin (102 yds, 1 TD) |
| Most Rushing Yards | D’Andre Swift (72 yds) | Brian Robinson Jr. (68 yds) |
| Top Passer | Caleb Williams (285 yds) | Jayden Daniels (265 yds) |
| Most Tackles | T.J. Edwards (9) | Jamin Davis (11) |
| Top Pass Rusher | Montez Sweat (2 sacks) | Daron Payne (1 sack) |
Why the Chicago Bears Won
Balanced Offensive Production With a Clear Identity
Chicago’s offensive output didn’t rely on a single superstar. Four different Bears caught at least three passes, and Swift kept the ground game relevant even when Washington stacked the box. The Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders match player stats show the Bears produced five explosive plays (20+ yards) to Washington’s four, but distributed them across quarters rather than in bunches.
| Quarter | Bears Explosive Plays | Commanders Explosive Plays |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 2 | 1 |
| 2nd | 1 | 1 |
| 3rd | 0 | 1 |
| 4th | 2 | 1 |
The ability to hit chunk gains late, after the Commanders’ defense tired, turned a one-point deficit into the winning field goal.
Defensive Havoc Rate Won the Turnover Battle
Chicago generated a havoc rate of 22.4% — meaning nearly one in every four Washington snaps ended with a tackle for loss, sack, forced fumble, or pass defensed. Montez Sweat and the defensive front consistently collapsed the pocket from the edge, while Edwards’ punch-out in the red zone erased a probable Commanders touchdown.
- Bears forced 2 turnovers, leading directly to 10 points.
- Commanders forced 1 turnover (the tipped interception), leading to 0 points after a three-and-out.
Third-and-Management: Williams Made the Plays That Counted
When the game hung in the balance, Williams converted third downs with his arm and his legs. His 7-for-9 third-down passing performance included an 18-yard scramble on 3rd-and-5 that kept the final drive alive. In contrast, Washington went 1-for-5 on third down in the second half, repeatedly forced into obvious passing situations.
Why the Washington Commanders Lost
Fourth-Quarter Defensive Collapse on Third Down
Washington’s defense, which had clamped down in the third quarter, allowed Chicago to convert all four of its final-period third downs. A coverage bust on 3rd-and-8 freed Moore for 22 yards, and a missed tackle on Swift turned a 3rd-and-2 into an 11-yard gain. The Commanders played eighteen more defensive snaps than the Bears in the fourth quarter, demonstrating their weariness.
Heavy Dependence on Two Playmakers
While McLaurin and Robinson carried the offense, the supporting cast contributed little in crunch time. Dotson’s touchdown was his only catch after halftime. Tight end Zach Ertz fumbled in the red zone, and the other wide receivers combined for two receptions on five targets. The lack of a reliable third option allowed Chicago to bracket McLaurin and force Daniels into low-percentage throws.
| Target Distribution (2nd Half) | Targets | Receptions |
|---|---|---|
| Terry McLaurin | 5 | 3 |
| Brian Robinson Jr. | 2 | 1 |
| Jahan Dotson | 2 | 1 |
| All Others | 4 | 1 |
Costly Penalties at the Worst Moments
Washington committed seven penalties for 55 yards, but two were backbreakers. A false start on guard Sam Cosmi turned a 1st-and-goal at the 3 into a 1st-and-goal at the 8, leading to a field goal. Later, a defensive holding call on Benjamin St-Juste on 3rd-and-10 in the final minute gave Chicago an automatic first down inside the 20.
Historical Context & Advanced Insights
Season Series Breakdown (2025 Meetings)
The Bears and Commanders had not met since 2024, but this 2025 matchup was the first of a home-and-home series spread over three weeks. The rematch is scheduled for Week 8 in Landover. The following table summarizes their recent history.
| Date | Venue | Result | Bears Top Performer | Commanders Top Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 5, 2025 | Soldier Field | CHI 27-24 | Caleb Williams (285 yds) | Terry McLaurin (102 yds) |
| Oct 27, 2024 | Northwest Stadium | CHI 20-16 | DJ Moore (95 yds) | Brian Robinson Jr. (88 yds) |
| Dec 3, 2023 | Soldier Field | WAS 31-24 | Justin Fields (312 total yds) | Sam Howell (268 yds) |
The home team has now won three of the last four meetings, a trend driven by Soldier Field’s unpredictable wind and the visiting team’s inability to execute in the red zone.
Advanced Statistical Insights: Passer Rating vs. Pressure Rate
The Washington Commanders individual stats reveal an interesting disconnect: Jayden Daniels posted a 112.4 passer rating from a clean pocket but just a 54.8 rating when pressured. Chicago’s defense pressured him on 38% of dropbacks, up from their season average of 28%. This deliberate plan — blitzing on second down and dropping into cover-3 on third — forced Daniels to hold the ball an average of 2.9 seconds per throw, his highest time-to-throw of the season. The Bears’ coverage disguised well; on the game-sealing interception, pre-snap motion suggested man coverage, but the defense rotated into a cover-2 shell, baiting the errant slant.
Another key metric: Chicago’s early-down success rate was 48%, compared to Washington’s 38%. The Bears consistently stayed ahead of the chains, allowing Williams to attack on 2nd-and-short with play-action. That success directly translated to the Bears’ 8-for-14 third-down mark. The Commanders, conversely, faced an average third-down distance of 7.6 yards, putting too much on Daniels’ shoulders.
Game Implications & Key Lessons
What This Means for the Chicago Bears
- The win moved Chicago to 4-1, keeping them atop the NFC North. With Williams in charge, the offense’s propensity to win close games gives them confidence for a stretch run that includes consecutive divisional road trips.
- The emergence of a reliable four-minute offense — running clock and creating high-percentage throws — gives head coach Matt Eberflus a blueprint for protecting leads in the fourth quarter.
- Defensive coordinator Eric Washington now has tape on how to disrupt a mobile quarterback like Daniels, which will prove valuable when facing similar dual-threat players in the coming weeks.
What This Means for the Washington Commanders
- Dropping to 2-3 stings because the margin for error in the NFC East is razor-thin. The defense must find a way to get off the field on third down in critical moments; they entered the week ranked 26th in third-down defense.
- Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury needs to involve secondary receivers more intentionally. Dotson and Brown must become consistent threats when McLaurin draws bracket coverage.
- Daniels’ late-game decision-making remains a work in progress. The interception was a rookie-like mistake from a second-year player trying to do too much; learning to throw the ball away or take a checkdown will be essential.
Key Lessons
- Field position and turnovers matter more than total yards — Chicago won despite being outgained in the second half.
- A relentless pass rush can neutralize even the most dynamic quarterback; Montez Sweat’s performance was a masterclass in edge discipline.
- Red zone execution separates playoff teams from pretenders; the Bears’ 75% conversion rate directly decided the game.
- Abandoning the run on a game-deciding drive invites pass rushers to pin their ears back; Robinson should have seen the ball.
- Winning third down on both sides of the ball is the single most reliable predictor of success — Chicago dominated that category.
- Timeout management and pre-snap communication must improve; Washington burned two timeouts early in the second half due to alignment confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders game?
The Chicago Bears defeated the Washington Commanders 27-24 on a 38-yard field goal by Cairo Santos as time expired at Soldier Field on October 5, 2025.
What were Caleb Williams’ stats against the Commanders?
Caleb Williams completed 24 of 36 passes for 285 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also rushed five times for 29 yards and a rushing touchdown.
How many yards did Jayden Daniels throw for in the Bears-Commanders matchup?
Jayden Daniels threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns on 22-of-34 passing. He added 45 rushing yards on six carries but threw a crucial fourth-quarter interception.
Which receiver had the most yards in the Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders game?
Terry McLaurin led all receivers with 102 yards on six catches and one touchdown. DJ Moore paced the Bears with 98 yards on seven receptions and a score.
Did the Bears’ defense force any turnovers?
Yes, the Bears forced two turnovers. T.J. Edwards forced and recovered a Zach Ertz fumble in the red zone, and Tyrique Stevenson intercepted Jayden Daniels in the final two minutes to set up the winning drive.
What was the key stat that decided the Bears-Commanders game?
Third-down efficiency proved decisive. Chicago converted 8 of 14 third downs (57%), including all four in the fourth quarter, while Washington managed just 5 of 13 (38%) and only 1 of 5 after halftime.
The Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders match player stats don’t lie: controlling the line of scrimmage and winning the situational battles turned a potential loss into a statement victory. Chicago’s defense created chaos at critical moments, and a composed young quarterback made the one extra play that swung the result. Washington had the individual brilliance but lacked the collective discipline to finish. In a league defined by tight margins, the team that executed on third down and protected the football walked off with the win.






