Josh Blackwell’s Blocked Kick Propels Bears to Narrow Win Over Raiders
The Chicago Bears managed to escape Las Vegas with a thrilling 25-24 victory over the Raiders, thanks to a stunning defensive play by Josh Blackwell. The game showcased a series of pivotal defensive and special teams moments, ultimately allowing the Bears to improve their record to 2-2 as they head into their bye week.
Defensive Struggles and Special Teams Heroics
Throughout much of the contest, the Bears appeared to be at the mercy of the Raiders’ offense, particularly the performance of quarterback Geno Smith. However, when the pressure was on, the Bears found their rhythm, securing a crucial victory in the closing moments. Blackwell’s block of a 54-yard field goal attempt by Daniel Carlson with just 38 seconds left on the clock sealed the win after D’Andre Swift’s 2-yard touchdown run had given Chicago the lead.
Caleb Williams, the Bears’ young quarterback, showcased his resilience by leading the team back from behind twice in the second half. He completed 22 of 37 passes for 212 yards, alongside one touchdown and one interception, demonstrating growth and poise under pressure.
Offensive Challenges Amid Turnovers
The Bears faced significant challenges offensively, particularly in capitalizing on opportunities created by their defense. They intercepted Smith twice, thanks to Kevin Byard and Tyrique Stevenson, yet they struggled to push the ball effectively downfield, often settling for field goals from Cairo Santos. The kicker was active, converting from distances of 46, 43, and 52 yards, adding another 51-yarder that brought the Bears within two points late in the game.
Despite the struggles, Williams orchestrated a notable drive to secure the game-winning points, highlighted by a 24-yard scramble and a crucial 17-yard completion to Rome Odunze, placing the Bears in a favorable position. Swift’s touchdown came on a pivotal third-and-4, but a failed two-point conversion left the door open for the Raiders.
Raiders’ Ground Game Dominates
On the other side, the Raiders had their own standout performance from running back Ashton Jeanty, who racked up 138 yards on 21 carries. Jeanty’s explosive 64-yard touchdown run and two touchdown receptions put the Bears’ defense to the test, revealing ongoing vulnerabilities. Even as the Bears adjusted their offensive line with Ozzy Trapilo and Theo Benedet in the second half, the struggles persisted.
Defensively, the Bears faced challenges in stopping the run, allowing a total of 240 rushing yards. The three interceptions and a fumble recovery by Andrew Billings on a fourth-down gamble helped maintain the Bears’ competitive edge, but the lack of a reliable running game, which totaled just 69 yards, raised concerns for the weeks ahead.
Looking Ahead
While the Bears’ performance in Las Vegas was far from perfect, it marked a significant milestone for head coach Ben Johnson, earning his first road win. The team will use the upcoming bye week to regroup and address their deficiencies, particularly as they aim to reintegrate injured players Kyler Gordon, T.J. Edwards, Colston Loveland, and Darnell Wright into the lineup.
In the grand scheme, this hard-fought victory is a stepping stone for the Bears. While they may not have played their best football, the resilience and determination displayed in the final moments reflect a team that continues to grow and evolve.
