Here are my 15 takeaways from the Chicago Bears wild, season-shifting win over the Bengals. From Caleb Williams clutch performance to the emergence of young rookies that look ready to turn the corner, this game offered a little bit of everything—chaos, resilience, and plenty of moments that could define the rest of the year. Let’s break it all down.
1. Caleb Williams thrives under pressure.
When trailing the Bengals, Williams delivered a clutch performance—301 total yards, three touchdowns, and a 124.0 passer rating. His game-winning drive, capped with a strike to Colston Loveland, wasn’t just a big-time play. It was a defining moment that showed his growth as a leader. His post-game comments on “finding ways to win for each other” are exactly the mindset Chicago needs from its quarterback.
2. Colston Loveland’s arrival.
Six catches, 118 yards, two touchdowns. The second score? A game-winner that introduced him to the rest of the league. The Tyler Warren conversation is officially dead.
3. A Bears team that feels different.
The players aren’t just producing—they’re bonding and winning for each other. This feels like another culture changing type win. That's the Ben Johnson effect.
4. Kyle Monongai keeps rewriting expectations.
A monstrous 26 carries for 176 yards, showing an elite blend of vision, balance, and power. His rise has been fun to watch.
5. Ben Johnson’s offense is no longer a theory.
Top 10 across the board in yards, points, and rushing production. This side of the ball has become something Chicago hasn’t had in decades: consistently dangerous. Best part: they are just scratching the surface.
6. Darnell Wright is becoming elite.
Wright’s tape speaks for itself—he’s the cornerstone this line has long missed.
7. The win probability chart was pure chaos.
The Bears went from cruising to collapsing to climbing all the way back. This was by far one of the craziest Bears games I've ever watched.
8. George McCaskey’s reaction said it all.
His celebration was genuine and just cool to see. He's a fan just like the rest of us.
9. The NFC North is wide open.
Bears win, Packers and Lions lose. Suddenly, the NFC North isn't so out of reach for the Bears. Chicago couldn’t have scripted this Sunday better.
10. Trade deadline clarity.
This win doesn’t mask the defensive issues. Tuesday should be aggressive. Reinforcements are needed for a real playoff push.
11. Montez Sweat is heating up.
Four straight weeks of high-level play, including another sack that set the tone. When he clicks, the whole front feeds off it.
12. Austin Booker made an impact immediately.
Pressures, disruption, and effort that jumped off the screen. What he did to Orlando Brown Jr. was unreal. Bears should be very happy to have him back.
13. Brittain Brown earns his snaps.
His third-and-1 leap was a Payton-esque effort. Add in a score, and he’s making every touch count. Bears are all of a sudden deep at running back.
14. Special teams are on notice.
Unless your name is Tory Taylor, you won’t be safe from criticism. Richard Hightower needs to be better. Cairo Santos should likely be benched.
15. That defense needs some work.
Jaquan Brisker said after the win, that the defense will be better. Let's just hope he's right because they were brutal on Sunday. Chase and Higgins are monsters but giving up 450+ yards to Joe Flacco is just laughably bad.
