Raiders 41, Bears 38: Punt block TD stuns Chicago after late clock mismanagement

LAS VEGAS, NV - The Chicago Bears had the game in their hands, but late clock mismanagement and a stunning special-teams play gave the Las Vegas Raiders a 41-38 victory in Week 4.

Game Recap

The night was dominated by quarterbacks. Geno Smith was razor sharp for Las Vegas, completing 29 of 34 passes for 350 yards and five touchdowns. Across the field, Caleb Williams countered with 374 yards and five scores of his own, keeping Chicago in striking distance.

Chicago looked poised to close it out, leading 38-35 with just over a minute left. But head coach Mark Miller inexplicably snapped the ball with 19 seconds still on the play clock on first down, and again with three seconds left on third down. That mismanagement allowed Raiders coach Max Farias to call his final timeout and force a punt.

On fourth down, cornerback JT Woods came screaming off the edge and blocked the punt. Safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. scooped it up and dashed 47 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. "Our guys never quit," Farias said. "JT made a huge play, and Gipson finished it. That's Raiders football."

Daniel Carlson missed the extra point, leaving the lead at three. The Bears had one last chance: Williams rolled right and launched deep to Luther Burden III, who had beaten the safeties. The ball sailed just inches too far. "I had it. Caleb put it out there, and I thought I was gone," Burden said. "That one hurts." Two plays later, Williams was hit and fumbled as time expired, sealing the Raiders' improbable win.

Key Stats

Smith's efficiency was the difference, posting an 85% completion rate with five touchdown passes. Williams nearly matched him, firing five touchdowns of his own on 46 attempts. "Caleb gave us a chance at the end," Miller noted, "but I put him in a bad spot."

Tight end Colston Loveland emerged as Williams' top target, catching nine passes for 96 yards and three scores. On the Raiders' side, wideout Dont'e Thornton Jr. provided the big-play spark, hauling in five passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. Running back Ashton Jeanty gave Las Vegas balance with 96 rushing yards and 32 receiving yards, including a touchdown grab.

Up Next

The Las Vegas Raiders (2-2) travel to face the Indianapolis Colts in Week 5. The Chicago Bears (1-3) head into a bye week before visiting the Washington Commanders in Week 6.