By Joshua Stewart
The Chicago Bears recorded their first win of the season with a 40-20 win over the Washington Commanders to banish any fears of being the latest team to go without a win in the regular season.
More importantly it ended a 14 game losing streak that stretched back to the 25th of October 2022.
A blistering first half saw the Bears inject some long-forgotten energy into Soldier Field, as they went into the half with a 20-3 lead.
The tides turned after the half as the Commanders started to shape their offence into a weapon again in the third quarter, bringing back nerves and bad memories as Chicago prepared itself to blow another 20 point lead in the space of a week.
Their fears turned out to be for nought as they comfortably saw out the game. A late touchdown by DJ Moore and a forced turnover on downs by the Bears’ defence meant that any Washington hopes of a comeback were trampled down.
Moore stole the show with a performance that has been long overdue after a slow start to the season.
A new signing from the Panthers in the offseason, he had suffered alongside Justin Fields as the Bears offense looked lost in the woods but his talent was made clear by a hat-trick of touchdowns and 230 receiving yards.
Justin Fields similarly reached new heights with four touchdowns and 282 passing yards. He also recorded no interceptions, the first time that has happened this season.
On the losing side, Sam Howell can hold his head up high after throwing for 388 yards and two touchdowns but couldn’t help his defence keep the Bears out of the endzone.
Both teams are more likely to look at the draft order than the play-off places and with one of the strongest quarterback draft classes in recent history, both clubs may be looking to start a new dynasty to ensure that this start to the season doesn’t become a regular occurrence.
