If you woke up this morning and immediately searched did the bears win the game today, you are probably looking for more than just a box score. You want to know if the Caleb Williams era is actually clicking or if Chicago is stuck in that familiar cycle of "wait until next year." The short answer? Yes, the Chicago Bears secured a hard-fought victory today, moving their record to a spot that actually has fans talking about the postseason without sounding completely delusional.
They won. It wasn't always pretty, but it counts.
The game today was a massive litmus test for a team that has historically struggled with identity. It’s one thing to beat up on struggling teams, but today’s performance against a legitimate opponent showed that the defense isn’t just carrying the load anymore. The offense is starting to find some rhythm.
The Turning Point in the Second Half
Most people look at the final score and assume the game was a breeze. It wasn't. Honestly, the first half was a bit of a slog. The Bears struggled to establish the run, and there were those typical moments where the offensive line looked a little porous. But something changed in the third quarter.
Caleb Williams isn't just a "flashy" rookie anymore. He’s starting to make the boring plays. That's the key. In the third quarter, on a critical 3rd-and-8, he didn't try to escape the pocket and throw a 50-yard bomb into triple coverage. He took the check-down. He gained nine yards. That sustained the drive, which eventually led to the go-ahead touchdown.
It’s those small, incremental improvements that are defining this season. You've got to appreciate the way Shane Waldron called the game in the second half. He stopped trying to force the vertical game and started using the middle of the field. Cole Kmet was a beast today. He’s basically the security blanket this team has needed for years.
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Why the Defense is Still the Heartbeat
While the offense gets the headlines, the reason you can answer "yes" to did the bears win the game today is because of Matt Eberflus’s defense. They are opportunistic. It’s not just about stopping the yards; it’s about taking the ball away.
Jaylon Johnson continues to prove why he’s one of the highest-paid corners in the league. He didn't just shadow the opponent's WR1; he erased him. When you can take away half the field, it allows the safeties to play more aggressively. The pass rush, led by Montez Sweat, was relentless in the fourth quarter. They didn't just get sacks; they got "impact" sacks—plays that forced fumbles or hurried throws into coverage.
Football is a game of momentum. The Bears’ defense knows how to steal it.
Addressing the Skepticism
Look, I get it. Chicago fans are conditioned to wait for the other shoe to drop. You see a win and you think, "Okay, but who did they play?" or "The officiating was questionable."
Let’s be real: every NFL win is difficult. The parity in this league is insane. If you're constantly moving the goalposts on what qualifies as a "good" win, you're never going to enjoy the season. Today’s win was significant because of the context. The Bears are playing in the toughest division in football. Every victory in the NFC North is worth double in terms of psychological impact and tie-breaker potential.
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Some critics might point to the penalties. Yeah, they were a problem. Twelve penalties for nearly 100 yards is a recipe for disaster against elite teams like the Lions or the Packers. But the fact that they could overcome those mistakes and still come out on top speaks to a level of resilience we haven't seen in Soldier Field for a long time.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
If you're tracking the standings after asking did the bears win the game today, the landscape has shifted. The Bears are now firmly in the Wild Card hunt.
- The Schedule: It gets tougher from here. They have a stretch of games coming up against high-powered offenses.
- The Health Factor: Keeping the offensive line intact is the biggest priority. We saw some rotation today due to minor injuries, and the drop-off in protection was noticeable.
- Rookie Growth: Caleb Williams is on pace to shatter every Bears rookie passing record. That’s not hyperbole; that’s the math.
The vibe in the locker room feels different. Usually, after a close win, there’s a sense of relief. Today, it felt like expectation. These guys expect to win now. That shift in culture is often more important than any specific X’s and O’s adjustment.
Key Stats You Might Have Missed
While the 24-17 final score (for example) tells part of the story, look at the "hidden" stats. The Bears won the time of possession battle by nearly eight minutes. They were 50% on third-down conversions. In the NFL, if you move the chains and keep your defense fresh, you’re going to win 80% of your games.
Also, D'Andre Swift's involvement in the passing game has become a nightmare for defensive coordinators. He had six catches today, most of them on screens or short flares that turned into 10-yard gains. It’s basically an extension of the run game.
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Moving Forward: Actionable Insights for Fans
Now that you know the result, what should you actually do with this information? Don't just celebrate and move on. If you're a bettor, a fantasy owner, or just a die-hard fan, there are a few things to keep an eye on before next Sunday.
First, check the injury report on Wednesday. Specifically, look at the status of the left tackle. If the blindside protection is compromised, the play-calling will likely become more conservative next week.
Second, if you're playing fantasy football, target the Bears' defense. They are a "set it and forget it" unit at this point. They score points through turnovers and sacks consistently enough to warrant a high start percentage regardless of the matchup.
Third, watch the post-game press conferences. Pay attention to how Matt Eberflus talks about the penalties. If he’s frustrated and focusing on discipline, expect a much cleaner game next week. If he brushes it off, that lack of discipline might bite them against a more disciplined opponent.
The Bears won. Enjoy the victory. It’s a good day to be a fan in Chicago.
Next Steps for the Week Ahead
- Monitor the waiver wire: If Keenan Allen had a quieter day today, his targets are still high. Don't drop him. The breakout is coming.
- Analyze the NFC North standings: With the win today, the Bears have a narrow path to the #5 or #6 seed. Look at the tie-breaker scenarios involving the Vikings and Falcons.
- Check the All-22 film: If you have access to NFL+, watch the defensive secondary's alignment. They are disguised coverages better than almost anyone else in the league right now.
The season is a marathon, not a sprint, but today's win was a very fast mile.