Oct. 6 (UPI) — In a stunning victory, Justin Fields showcased his extraordinary talent by throwing four touchdown passes, with three of them caught by D.J. Moore. This outstanding performance led the Chicago Bears to their first win of the 2023 season, breaking their 14-game losing streak.
Moore’s exceptional skills were on full display, as he recorded a career-high of 230 yards on eight catches, contributing significantly to the Bears’ 40-20 blowout against the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.
“We were desperate for a win,” Moore stated in an interview. “This victory will boost our morale and provide the momentum we need. It’s crucial to carry this positivity into the upcoming weeks. That’s our key to success.”
The Bears dominated the game, outperforming the Commanders with a total of 451 yards compared to 388. Their ground game was particularly impressive, gaining 178 yards while limiting the Commanders to only 29 yards. Additionally, the Bears’ defense recorded five sacks and forced two turnovers.
This win marked the Bears’ first victory since their triumph over the New England Patriots on October 24th of the previous season in Foxborough, Mass.
“We couldn’t contain the Bears’ offense,” commented Commanders coach Ron Rivera. “We need to thoroughly analyze our performance and understand the reasons behind our shortcomings. It starts with me as the coach. We need to improve and put ourselves in a position to succeed.”
The Bears set the tone early in the game with a 75-yard opening drive, capped off by a 20-yard touchdown pass from Fields to Moore.
Kicker Cairo Santos extended the Bears’ lead with a 22-yard field goal about eight minutes later, bringing the score to 10-0.
Fields and Moore connected once again with an 11-yard touchdown pass early in the second quarter. The Commanders responded with an 11-play drive, resulting in a 51-yard field goal by kicker Joey Slye.
Santos swiftly retaliated with a 36-yard kick on the Bears’ subsequent drive.
Bears cornerback Greg Stroman Jr. intercepted Commanders quarterback Sam Howell shortly after. Fields then led a 6-play drive, concluding with a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cole Kmet.
The Bears entered halftime with a commanding 27-3 lead.
The Commanders made a strong start in the second half, scoring a touchdown on a 5-play, 75-yard drive. Quarterback Sam Howell connected with tight end Logan Thomas for a 2-yard touchdown pass. Howell followed up with a successful two-point conversion.
Slye narrowed the margin further with a 32-yard field goal late in the third quarter. However, Santos responded early in the fourth quarter with a successful 43-yard attempt.
Howell threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Curtis Samuel with approximately 11 minutes remaining. This touchdown reduced the deficit to 10 points.
Fields answered back with his fourth touchdown pass of the game, finding Moore for a 56-yard completion with approximately four minutes remaining. Santos sealed the victory with a 37-yard field goal, leaving no room for a comeback.
Fields completed 15 of 29 passes for 282 yards and also contributed 57 rushing yards. Howell completed 37 of 51 passes for 388 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.
The Bears (1-4) will host the Minnesota Vikings (1-3) on October 15th in Chicago. The Commanders (2-3) will face the Atlanta Falcons (2-2) on the same day in Atlanta.
