Title: Chicago Bears End 346-Day Losing Streak with Dominant Victory over Washington Commanders
Byline: Courtney Cronin, ESPN Staff Writer
Date: Oct 6, 2023, 01:26 PM
LANDOVER, Md. — In a stunning display of dominance, the Chicago Bears put an end to their 346-day losing streak by trouncing the Washington Commanders with a resounding 40-20 victory on Thursday.
After a string of disappointing losses and off-field drama, the Bears desperately needed this win to revive their season. The relief was palpable among the players, with tight end Cole Kmet acknowledging the significance of the long-awaited triumph.
“Pretty bad, I’m not going to lie,” Kmet said. “I think the emotion I felt literally until … the clock hit zero was relief. It’s been a long time coming to get this first win. We’ve got a lot of talent; we’ve just got to put it together. These types of performances can carry over, but we have to be able to execute and be in sync as a group.”
The Bears had not tasted victory in nearly a year, with their last win dating back to 2022. Only a few players remained from that team, highlighting how desperately they needed this breakthrough moment.
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney, who was a rookie during that last victorious season, admitted that the losing streak had overshadowed any positive memories from that time.
The game against Washington started on a high note for the Bears, with the offense scoring on each drive in the first half. Quarterback Justin Fields threw three touchdowns, becoming the first Bears player since the 1970 merger to achieve this feat in consecutive games’ first halves.
However, the Bears were determined not to let history repeat itself. Following a lackluster third quarter, in which they punted twice and allowed Washington to score, they pushed through to avoid another letdown.
“We’re not allowing this to happen again,” said Mooney. “We felt that power of another team having that against us, and we don’t want to feel that again.”
The hero of the night was DJ Moore, the 25-year-old receiver acquired by the Bears in a trade with the Carolina Panthers. Moore’s exceptional performance included eight receptions for 230 yards and three touchdowns, making him the second-highest yardage receiver in Bears history.
His fourth-quarter touchdown was the icing on the cake for Chicago, as he caught a short reception and took it 56 yards to the end zone. The victory-sealing play left Fields breathing a sigh of relief.
“I think we just had to reset,” Fields said. “Of course, when DJ made that catch and run, it was pretty much game over by then. A heck of a play, great catch, great protection up front, and we executed it well.”
Moore’s impact on the Bears’ offense cannot be overstated. In just five games with the team, he has already surpassed the receiving yards and touchdowns of any Bears wide receiver from the previous season. His contribution has accounted for 47% of the Bears’ total receiving yards this season, leading the league in this category.
The Bears’ offensive resurgence was impressive, with Fields throwing for 282 yards and four touchdowns and the running game adding 178 yards. As they continue to find their identity, it is clear that getting the ball to DJ Moore has become a crucial part of their offensive strategy.
“Get the ball to DJ, man,” said Mooney. “Get the ball to DJ. Really, get the ball to DJ, and like I’ve said before, allow us to have an opportunity to make that catch, not make that catch, whatever. Put the weight on our shoulders and just give us the opportunity to make that play.”
The Chicago Bears have now gained a much-needed boost of confidence. With their losing streak firmly in the rearview mirror, they are eager to build on this momentum and showcase the talent they possess.