CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears finally found their spark. Behind rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and a defense that forced three turnovers, the Bears surged to a 31-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field on Sunday, delivering head coach Ben Johnson his first career NFL victory.
The triumph snapped a rough two-game skid to open the season and gave Bears fans a glimpse of what the team might become under its new leadership. After being humbled in Detroit last week, Chicago’s response was emphatic.
Williams Leads the Way
Williams looked every bit the franchise quarterback Chicago drafted him to be. The No. 1 overall pick completed 19 of 28 passes for 298 yards and tied a career high with four touchdown passes. His efficiency was equally impressive, posting a 142.6 passer rating.
The rookie didn’t just make plays — he energized the entire stadium. His first highlight came on a 65-yard flea-flicker to fellow rookie Luther Burden, who celebrated his first career touchdown. Burden finished with 101 yards on three catches, showcasing his big-play ability.
Williams also connected with Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, and DJ Moore for scores. Moore’s touchdown capped a grueling 19-play, nearly 10-minute drive in the third quarter that gave Chicago a commanding 17-point lead.
“That’s a drive that takes everything out of a defense,” Odunze said. “It showed who we are — tough, committed, and willing to grind.”
Defense Seals the Win
Chicago’s defense matched the offense’s energy, forcing three interceptions and keeping Dallas uncomfortable all afternoon. Tremaine Edmunds had two picks, including one in the second half that halted a Cowboys push.
The Bears held Dallas to just 14 points, sacking Dak Prescott twice and keeping the Cowboys out of rhythm in crucial spots. The result marked Chicago’s 799th regular-season victory, keeping them among the NFL’s historic leaders in wins.
Cowboys Stumble Again
For Dallas, the loss was a sobering follow-up to last week’s dramatic overtime victory against the Giants. Dak Prescott completed 31 of 40 passes but managed just 251 yards. He threw one touchdown, a second-quarter strike to George Pickens, but was intercepted twice and sat out the final drive.
The Cowboys also suffered a significant blow when CeeDee Lamb exited with a sprained ankle. The four-time Pro Bowler limped off in the first quarter, briefly returned, but was ruled out after halftime. His absence loomed large as Dallas struggled to stretch the field.
“This is a humbling business,” head coach Brian Schottenheimer said. “We didn’t execute, we gave up too many big plays, and we turned the ball over. That’s not a winning formula.”
Owner Jerry Jones urged patience, noting that adjustments are always part of an NFL season. “We’ve seen teams start slow and still contend deep into the playoffs,” Jones said. “But we’ve got to take positive steps forward.”
Johnson’s Milestone
While the Cowboys searched for answers, the Bears reveled in their breakthrough. Johnson, visibly emotional after the game, received a game ball from Williams and was mobbed by his players in the locker room.
“This is about trust and belief,” Williams said. “To have this moment for him, for us, for this organization, it’s really important.”
For Johnson, it was a moment he will cherish, but he remained focused on the long road ahead. “It’ll be fun tonight, but we’re behind the 8-ball at 1-2,” he said. “We’ve got to keep building.”
Looking Ahead
The Bears (1-2) will try to build on the momentum when they hit the road next week, while the Cowboys (1-2) prepare for a pivotal matchup against the Green Bay Packers, featuring former Dallas star Micah Parsons in his first visit since the blockbuster trade.
At Soldier Field, though, Sunday was about celebration. The rookies shined, the defense delivered, and Johnson secured the first win of what the Bears hope is a new era.
Final Score: Bears 31, Cowboys 14
