| Dates: 7 September 2023 – 7 January 2024 |
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The Chicago Bears ended the worst shedding streak of their 104-year NFL historical past with a 40-20 win over the Washington Commanders, on the identical day that legend Dick Butkus died aged 80.
The Bears had not gained for 14 video games, final doing so in opposition to the New England Patriots virtually 12 months in the past.
However Justin Fields handed for 4 touchdowns, three to DJ Moore, to assist Chicago safe victory in Maryland.
“It means quite a bit, getting the win – the primary in a very long time,” Fields mentioned.
On Butkus, he added: “He is a Bears legend. He won’t ever be forgotten. We performed for him tonight.”
Fields accomplished 15 of 29 passes for 282 yards and in addition rushed for 57 yards, whereas Moore caught eight passes for a career-best 230 yards – the second-most in Chicago’s historical past.
The Bears had led by 24 at half-time however the Commanders closed to 30-20 with 10 minutes remaining, earlier than Moore produced a 56-yard landing to offer the guests a 37-20 lead.
Cairo Santos then added his fourth subject purpose within the closing levels.
The consequence ensured the Bears, winless since 24 October 2022, introduced an finish to the worst run in franchise historical past, after shedding a 21-point lead in a 31-28 defeat by the Denver Broncos on Sunday.
“Sigh of reduction for certain,” Fields mentioned.
“It felt good seeing all of the laborious work repay, particularly getting a dub (win) after the whole lot that is occurred this yr. Every little thing within the media. Every little thing on the surface. I am happy with all people within the constructing,” he added.
Chicago introduced previous to the sport on Thursday that Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer Butkus had died and a second of silence was held.
The Bears paid tribute to Butkus, thought to be one of many best linebackers in NFL historical past, describing him as “a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear”.
