Caleb Williams (Credits: NBC Sports)
The Chicago Bears led from start to finish and still made things interesting all night, holding off the New England Patriots 30-24 on Thursday Night Football at Soldier Field. The win moves Chicago to 5-2 while New England falls to 4-3.
The Bears honored the late Mike Ditka before kickoff — and honored him with a win. Caleb Williams went 22-of-33 for 308 yards and two touchdowns, while kicker Cairo Santos drilled a career-long 58-yard field goal with 1:34 left to give Chicago a two-score lead. That kick came one snap after Williams took a baffling 10-yard sack on third-and-5 at the New England 30 — a mistake that appeared to push the Bears out of range until coach Ben Johnson trusted his kicker, who had missed earlier from 53 off the right upright.
Luther Burden Explodes in the First Half of Bears Patriots
Rookie Luther Burden was electric early, catching four passes for 130 yards and a touchdown — all in the first half — setting up three of Chicago’s scoring drives. D’Andre Swift added 78 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries, and Chicago outgained New England 405 to 380.
Drake Maye Keeps the Patriots Alive Until the End
Drake Maye finished 24-of-31 for 321 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, also running for a touchdown. His 48-yard catch-and-run connection with Rhamondre Stevenson as the first half expired cut Chicago’s lead to 20-14 and kept the Patriots in it all night. Andy Borregales hit a 47-yard field goal with 37 seconds left, but Rome Odunze recovered the onside kick to seal it for Chicago.
Also Read: Da Coach: Bears Honor Mike Ditka With Mustache Giveaway and No. 89 Tribute at First Home Game Since His Death, Caleb Williams Shows No Rust in Return: 305 Yards as Bears Beat Falcons 31-23
Source: NBC Sports — read the full story there.
