Sports
Williams’ return sparks Bears, but late Falcons surge makes 31-23 finish tense
Caleb Williams threw for 305 yards in his first game in three weeks, and D’Andre Swift scored twice as Chicago improved to 4-2. Atlanta cut a 24-point fourth-quarter deficit to eight before a Bears takeaway helped seal the win.
The Chicago Bears built a 24-point lead, then had to withstand a fourth-quarter rally to beat the Atlanta Falcons 31-23 on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Quarterback Caleb Williams returned after missing three weeks and threw for 305 yards and a touchdown. Running back D’Andre Swift scored twice on the ground as the Bears moved to 4-2.
Williams completed his first six passes on Chicago’s opening drive, ending it with a 14-yard touchdown throw to Colston Loveland. After the defense forced a three-and-out, Swift ran in a score to put the Bears ahead 14-0 late in the first quarter.
Atlanta answered with a touchdown catch by Jahan Dotson, but Swift’s second rushing touchdown restored Chicago’s 14-point advantage before halftime. Roschon Johnson added a four-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter, and Cairo Santos’ field goal early in the fourth made it 31-7.
The Falcons’ comeback gathered pace after Bears coach Ben Johnson removed some defensive starters. Atlanta scored on an eight-play, 91-yard drive, with Kyle Pitts catching a touchdown pass. Roschon Johnson then fumbled on Chicago’s next possession, and Pitts caught another touchdown to pull Atlanta within 31-23 with 5:41 left.
Chicago’s defense stopped the next Falcons drive when Gordon stripped quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and the Bears recovered the ball in Atlanta territory. The turnover allowed Chicago to run down time and protect the lead.
The Bears have a short turnaround: they are scheduled to host the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on Thursday night.