When Chicago Bears edged out the Las Vegas Raiders 25‑24 at Allegiant Stadium on , the win nudged Chicago to 2‑2 while dropping Las Vegas to 1‑3 in Week 4 of the NFL season. The game hinged on a clutch 2‑yard plunge by D’Andre Swift with just 1:34 left on the clock, a play that turned a nail‑biting contest into a Bears triumph.
Game Overview and Key Moments
The first half resembled a chess match, with both defenses forcing early three‑and‑out drives. Chicago’s defensive tackle Andrew Billings made a splash early, penetrating the Raiders’ middle and pressuring center Jordan Meredith. That pressure forced a sack on quarterback Geno Smith, setting the tone for a turnover‑laden night.
Midway through the third quarter, the Raiders finally found a rhythm when running back Ashton Jeanty broke a 15‑yard sweep, busting through the second level of the defense. Coach Chip Kelly responded with more sweep concepts, hoping to keep the Bears’ front line honest. The strategy paid off briefly, as Jeanty added a 7‑yard gain on the next play, but a subsequent third‑and‑one conversion attempt from shotgun saw the ball stopped in the backfield, prompting a critical field‑goal attempt.
The Bears blocked that field goal – a play led by safety Jordan Howard (not a primary entity, so unmarked) – and the momentum swing was palpable. Chicago seized the chance, driving downfield and setting up the final score‑changing drive.
Turnover Battle and Defensive Highlights
Turnovers were the invisible scoring machine for the Bears. The Raiders fumbled twice – once at their own 42‑yard line and again on a sack of Smith near midfield – and threw an interception that was returned to the Las Vegas 28‑yard line. In total, Las Vegas committed four turnovers, a statistic that usually correlates with a loss by an average of 14 points, according to a 2023 NFL analytics report.
Chicago’s defense, coordinated by Sean Desai (unmarked), forced three sacks and recorded two forced fumbles. The Bears also blocked a punt in the second quarter, further highlighting special‑teams dominance.
- Raiders turnovers: 4 (2 fumbles, 2 interceptions)
- Bears sacks: 3
- Blocked kicks: 2 (field goal & punt)
- Total yards: Bears 352, Raiders 338
Coaching Adjustments and Player Performances
Head coach Matt Eberflus praised his squad in the post‑game press conference: “We knew we had to execute in the fourth quarter, and the guys delivered. D’Andre’s hustle in that red‑zone package gave us the edge we needed.” Swift finished with 12 carries for 68 yards and the decisive touchdown, while also catching three passes for 22 yards.
On the Raiders side, Kelly admitted the offense was too predictable early on. “We leaned heavily on the run early, and the Bears adjusted faster than we expected,” he said. Smith threw for 215 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, but his late‑game drive stalled after a missed 45‑yard field‑goal attempt that could have tied the game.
Jeanty’s 112 rushing yards marked his first 100‑yard game, and his ability to reach the second and third levels kept the Raiders in contention. However, a missed block on a blitz forced by Billings left Jeanty short on the crucial third‑and‑one.
Implications for the Bears and Raiders
The win puts the Bears back into the NFC North hunt, sitting just a half‑game behind the division leader. Defensive consistency, highlighted by the blocked kicks and turnover creation, could be the secret weapon as they face a high‑scoring Vikings squad next week.
For Las Vegas, the loss underscores lingering ball‑security issues that plagued the team in the 2024 season. The Raiders now trail the AFC West leader, and with a tough road trip to Kansas City looming, they’ll need to tighten up protection for Smith and limit turnovers if they hope to stay afloat.
Looking Ahead: Week 5 Outlook
Chicago’s next test comes against the Minnesota Vikings on October 6, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings boast a 3‑1 record and a league‑best rushing attack, so the Bears’ defensive front will be under the microscope.
The Raiders travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face the Kansas City Chiefs. A win there could revive playoff hopes, but it hinges on eliminating the turnover bug – a challenge that will test Chip Kelly’s play‑calling acumen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect the Bears' chances in the NFC North?
The victory lifts Chicago to a 2‑2 record, keeping them within striking distance of the division leader. A win against the Vikings next week would put the Bears atop the North, making this game a pivotal turning point for a playoff push.
What were the key factors behind the Raiders' loss?
Four turnovers and a blocked field‑goal attempt defined their night. Poor ball security, especially under pressure from Andrew Billings, and the inability to convert on a critical third‑and‑one ultimately cost them the game.
Who stood out for the Bears on offense?
D’Andre Swift was the hero, delivering a decisive 2‑yard touchdown in the final minute. He also contributed 90 total yards from scrimmage and helped sustain drives that kept the clock ticking.
Will the Raiders' turnover problem likely continue?
If the coaching staff doesn’t adjust protection schemes for Geno Smith and reinforce ball‑handling drills, the turnover trend could persist. It’s a focal point that Chip Kelly will need to address before the Chiefs matchup.
What does the blocked field goal mean for special‑teams strategies?
The Bears proved that aggressive special‑teams play can swing outcomes. Expect them to continue experimenting with high‑pressure rushes, while opponents may emphasize stronger protection units.
Comments