Santos' 58-yarder seals Bears win over Patriots after Johnson's initial punt call

Key points

• Cairo Santos converted a 58-yard field goal with 1:34 left, sealing a 30-24 Bears victory over the Patriots.
• Ben Johnson initially called for a punt but allowed Santos to attempt the kick after the kicker expressed confidence.
• Santos had missed a 53-yard field goal earlier in the fourth quarter before making the career-long 58-yarder.
• Caleb Williams passed for 308 yards and two touchdowns in his second game back from a hamstring injury.
• The Bears recovered the onside kick after the Patriots kicked a 47-yard field goal with 37 seconds remaining.

Background

The Bears had suffered a 31-7 loss to the Packers two weeks prior, raising questions about offensive stability without starting quarterback Caleb Williams. Williams returned from a right hamstring injury for this game, marking his second consecutive start. The victory improved Chicago's record to 5-2, while the Patriots fell to 4-3, ending a three-game winning streak. The game was Chicago's first home game since the death of Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka on October 9, with the team observing a pregame moment of silence.

How outlets are covering it

NBC Sports emphasized the decision-making process, highlighting how Santos convinced special teams coordinator Richard Hightower and coach Ben Johnson to attempt the 58-yarder despite the earlier miss. The Associated Press focused on the broader game narrative, noting that Caleb Williams outdueled Drake Maye in a rematch of the 2024 NFL draft top picks. CBS Sports provided detailed statistical breakdowns, confirming the 58-yard kick matched the franchise record and noting that Williams became the first Bears quarterback to throw for over 300 yards in consecutive games since Mitch Trubisky in 2018. The ESPN source was inaccessible due to a 403 error, so no perspective could be derived from that outlet.

Why it matters

The result solidifies the Bears' position in the NFC North and validates Ben Johnson's trust in his special teams unit during a critical moment. For the Patriots, the loss ends a three-game winning streak and highlights the impact of a single turnover by Drake Maye, who threw an interception in the end zone. The game also marked a significant milestone for Caleb Williams, who is now the first Bears quarterback to throw for over 300 yards in consecutive games since 2018, signaling a potential return to form after his injury.

What to watch

The Bears are scheduled to play at Seattle for a Monday night game on November 2. The Patriots will travel to Miami on November 1. Both teams will need to assess injuries, particularly Bears tight end Cole Kmet, who hurt his right knee with 5:34 remaining in the fourth quarter and was described by Ben Johnson as not looking very good.