Bears snap franchise-worst 14-game losing streak on emotional night

Three hours later, there was reason to celebrate for the first time in nearly a year as the Bears defeated the Washington Commanders 40-20, ending a franchise-worst 14-game skid that began on October 24, 2022.

Throughout that skid, the team had been outscored by a league-worst 193 points, allowed 468 points (most in the NFL) and surrendered at least 25 points per game.

On Thursday, their defense embodied everything their late linebacker stood for, allowing 20 points, forcing two turnovers, and sacking Commanders quarterback Sam Howell five times. For reference, coming into the night, the Bears had a league-worst two sacks on the season and surrendered 34.3 points per game.

On the other end, their offense did something it hadn't in 34 years.

The Bears' 40 points were the team's most since December 27, 2020 , when they scored 41 points against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The quarterback-to-wide receiver connection of Justin Fields to DJ Moore succeeded for the second straight week as Moore put up a career-high 230 receiving yards. From the very first drive, the offensive line made it seem like Fields had more time in the pocket than ever.

Chicago will carry the momentum it hasn't experienced in a while when it takes on the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday, Oct. 15.