Chicago Bears Score and Recap (Week 6): Bears 31, Falcons 23 – Williams Outstanding in Return
Franchise quarterback Caleb Williams returned to the starting lineup against the Falcons Sunday afternoon and it made a huge difference. The Bears dominated the first three quarters before holding off a very spirited comeback from the home team to emerge victorious.
Chicago went right down the field on the opening drive, with Williams scrambling free to hit tight end Colston Loveland for a 14-yard touchdown. After Atlanta went three and out, RB D’Andre Swift ran one in from 4 yards out to make it 14-0 in the first quarter.
The Falcons cut the deficit in half when quarterback Michael Penix connected with Jahan Dotson for a 13-yard TD in the second quarter. The Bears took advantage of a fumbled punt return right before halftime with Swift running in a second touchdown from 2 yards out for a 21-7 halftime lead.
A field goal and a 4-yard touchdown run by Roschon Johnson appeared to give Chicago an insurmountable 31-7 margin early in the fourth quarter. It was at that point that Atlanta’s offense completely exploded with two consecutive touchdown passes to tight end Kyle Pitts. Successful two point conversions after each score brought the deficit to 31-23.
The Falcons got the ball back with a chance to tie but a strip sack from Kyler Gordon ended the threat and the Bears ran out the clock from there to seal the win. (Box score)
Why the Bears Won
The offense started out great and built up a huge lead that was just barely enough to hang on for the win.
Key Moment
Things were starting to slip away in the fourth quarter so Gordon getting that turnover was a huge moment.
Stats That Matter
- Williams showed no ill effects from the injury, throwing for 305 yards and a touchdown.
- Luther Burden III had eight catches for 95 yards.
- The best game of the season so far for Loveland with six catches for 65 yards.
Bottom Line
The Bears are only going to go as far as Caleb Williams takes them in 2026, so it goes without saying it’s huge to have him back in the lineup. The pass defense continues to be an issue for Ben Johnson and company in 2026 but they survived a scare Sunday.
Next Up
It’s a quick turnaround for Chicago with a Thursday night game against the Patriots at Soldier Field. The contest begins at 7:15pm CT and is broadcast on Amazon Prime.
