National Football League

Bears vs. Commanders highlights: Chicago gets 40-20 win on Thursday Night Football

Updated Oct. 5, 2023 11:29 p.m. ET

Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears (1-4) got their first win of the season over Sam Howell and the Washington Commanders (2-3) at FedEx Field to kick off Week 5 of the NFL season. Bears wide receiver DJ Moore was the star of the night, finishing with eight receptions for 230 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bears were narrowly defeated by the Denver Broncos in their Week 4 matchup, while the Commanders lost a close one to the Philadelphia Eagles last week.

Here are the top moments!

FINAL: Chicago Bears 40, Washington Commanders 20

Getting behind 'em

Two plays after Fields couldn't connect with wide receiver Darnell Mooney, the quarterback hit a wide-open Moore downfield for a 58-yard gain. Three plays later, Moore got behind the Washington secondary once again, hauling in a 20-yard touchdown pass.

Big run sets up Chicago FG

After forcing a Washington three-and-out, Chicago put together another scoring drive. A 34-yard run from Khalil Herbert got the Bears into the red zone. That said, they were held to a 22-yard field goal from Cairo Santos.

If you really want Moore …

After Washington went three-and-out once again, Chicago went right back to work. On the first play of the drive, Moore stayed on his feet and kept chugging down the sideline for a 39-yard gain. Five plays later, Fields hit Moore in the back corner of the end zone for their second touchdown connection.

Bears capitalize on Howell INT

Joey Slye got Washington on the board with a 51-yard field goal, which Chicago countered with a 36-yard field goal from Santos. Then Washington gave the ball back to Chicago on the first play of the ensuing possession when defensive back Greg Stroman Jr. intercepted Howell.

After picking up a first down on the ground, Herbert refused to go down en route to a 16-yard pickup. Three plays later, Fields hit tight end Cole Kmet for a 4-yard touchdown.

HALFTIME: Bears 27, Commanders 3

It was all Bears in the first half. Fields threw for three touchdowns, with Moore reeling in five receptions for 137 yards and two scores. Meanwhile, Herbert ran for 76 yards on 8.4 yards per carry. All in all, the Bears out-gained the Commanders 305-84 in total yards in the first half.

Washington shows life

Howell and the Commanders began the second half with a screen pass to running back Brian Robinson, who turned the reception into a 24-yard gain. Later in the drive, a pass interference on defensive back Tyrique Stevenson put the ball on the Bears' 2-yard line. On the very next play, Howell hit tight end Logan Thomas for a 2-yard touchdown, and the quarterback converted a two-point attempt with his legs. The Commanders trailed 27-11.

Deep ball leads to Washington FG

Chicago punted after Washington reached the end zone. Then Thomas fumbled for Washington, but Chicago didn't get points after recovering the fumble. On the next drive, Howell hit running back Antonio Gibson for a 41-yard pickup, getting the Commanders in field-goal range. The drive ended with a 32-yard field goal from Slye.

Howelling down the field

After Santos connected on his third field goal for Chicago, Washington got its third touchdown. Howell & Co. methodically moved the chains in the air before hitting wide receiver Curtis Samuel for a 3-yard score. They failed to convert a two-point attempt, though, and trailed 30-20 with 10:51 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The DJ's night

Slye missed a 46-yard field goal for the Commanders, and the Bears made them pay three plays later when Moore corralled a third-down reception in traffic and ran off for a 56-yard touchdown.

Honoring a legend

Shortly before kickoff, the Bears organization announced that former linebacker and Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, one of the greatest players in NFL history, had died at age 80.

Stadium entrance

Both teams arrived in style ahead of Thursday's NFC tilt.

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