For the first time since 2018, the Chicago Bears have reached a double-digit win total in a single season.
They reached the 10-win mark with their victory over the Browns on Sunday, flattening them 31-3
to improve to a 10-4 record for the 2025 NFL season. The defense forcing takeaways and the offense moving the ball down the field with a well-rounded attack through both the air and the ground saw the Bears put another tally in the win column. Here are some of the key takeaways from the victory.
This defense knows how to attack the ball
Going into Week 15, the Bears led the NFL in both turnovers forced and turnover differential. They built upon that lead on Sunday, as they intercepted Shedeur Sanders three times in their win over the Browns.
D’Marco Jackson, Jaylon Johnson, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson all pitched in with interceptions to help Chicago’s defense limit Cleveland to only three points. Jackson tipped a pass across the middle of the field and caught his own deflection for a pick. Johnson ripped the ball away from Jerry Jeudy to pick up an interception in the end zone, and CJGJ adjusted well to an under-thrown ball to secure the hat trick. The Bears’ defense has been inconsistent this year, but the one thing they’ve excelled at no matter what has been their ability to take the ball away from their opponents.
Cold weather no problem for Caleb
With two touchdowns and over 250 passing yards with no interceptions, Caleb Williams had one of his better games of the season on Sunday. The bone-chilling conditions at Soldier Field had many (including myself) thinking the Bears would run the ball heavily, and they did have plenty of success on the ground. That said, they also aired the ball out a good amount and saw plenty of success through the air, too.
Even including a few drops his receivers had over the course of the game, Williams reached the triple-digit mark in his passer rating for the fourth time this season. He was pretty consistently accurate down the field, including a stellar touchdown throw to DJ Moore on the move for the second score that the duo had this week.
Cairo Santos a growing concern
The Bears had a nine-minute, 28-second offensive drive in the second half that saw them effectively move the ball down the field and wind down the clock. It didn’t end with a touchdown, but they were in clear position to add an easy three points to their lead. Then, Cairo Santos missed a 35-yard field goal.
I don’t want to dwell too much on Santos’ miss due to all the positives that came from Chicago’s win over the Browns. However, that’s a field goal that no NFL kicker should miss, regardless of how cold it is outside. Santos’ accuracy has been a concern this season, and this was arguably his worst miss of the year. With decreasing accuracy to pair with his lack of great leg strength, it feels like the clock should be ticking on his time as the Bears’ starting kicker.
D’Andre Swift stepping up
D’Andre Swift ran for two touchdowns on Sunday and reached 98 rushing yards, putting together one of his best seasons in what’s been a tremendous bounce-back season. He’s benefitted from the Bears’ investments along their offensive line, but he deserves a lot of credit for his improvements, as well.
When you turn on the tape in most games from this season, Swift has looked much more decisive in between the tackles. He’s kept his explosiveness and ability to create outside of the tackle, but he’s a much better downhill runner who looks much more confident than he did in 2024. That showed up in spades against Cleveland.
