Bears outlast Commanders in a 91-point thriller as Caleb Williams and Luke McCaffrey trade haymakers

LANDOVER, MD - Under the bright lights of Monday Night Primetime, the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders delivered one of the most explosive games of the season. The Bears edged Washington 48-43 at FedExField behind another brilliant performance from Caleb Williams, who threw for 368 yards and five touchdowns. The rookie quarterback guided Mark Miller's squad to a much-needed win after a roller-coaster start to their campaign.

Offensive fireworks light up the night

Both offenses traded blows throughout the evening, combining for over 1,200 total yards in front of a national audience. Williams completed 30 of 45 passes, averaging 8.1 yards per attempt with no interceptions, while the Bears offense capitalized on seven red-zone trips, converting five into touchdowns. Colston Loveland hauled in two touchdowns, including a critical 11-yard score before halftime that gave Chicago a 20-17 lead. Rookie receiver Luther Burden III added four receptions for 94 yards and a 43-yard touchdown in the first quarter to spark the Bears' early momentum.

For Washington, Jayden Daniels was electric under the national spotlight, throwing for 429 yards and five touchdowns while adding 65 yards on the ground. Deebo Samuel Sr. torched Chicago's secondary for 141 yards and a 67-yard touchdown, while Luke McCaffrey scored three times, including a 24-yard strike in the final seconds to bring the Commanders within five.

Jaylon Johnson's Primetime moment

With Washington threatening to tie the game late, Daniels fired a quick slant intended for McCaffrey - but Jaylon Johnson jumped the route and took it 63 yards to the end zone for a pick-six that effectively sealed the game. "That was a Primetime moment," Bears coach Mark Miller said. "Jaylon read it perfectly - that's the type of play that turns a good team into a great one."

Daniels responded with one last drive capped by McCaffrey's third touchdown, but the two-point try failed when the pass to Zach Ertz fell incomplete, ending Washington's comeback hopes.

Numbers tell the story

Despite the loss, the Commanders outgained Chicago 675-579 and dominated time of possession, converting an impressive 71.4% of their third downs. But two costly interceptions and a missed red-zone chance late in the fourth quarter proved fatal. Daniels' top targets - Samuel, McCaffrey, and Terry McLaurin - combined for 257 yards and four touchdowns in the losing effort.

For Chicago, Williams was near flawless, spreading the ball to multiple targets. Rome Odunze caught eight passes for 79 yards and a touchdown, while DJ Moore added 82 yards and another score. The Bears' offense was disciplined and sharp, committing just one penalty all night.

Up Next

The Bears return home in Week 7 to face the New Orleans Saints. Meanwhile, the Commanders will look to rebound when they travel to Arlington to take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7.