The undermanned Chicago Bears didn't make excuses when they hosted the New England Patriots on a short week. Instead, Caleb Williams proved again why he's one of the most special quarterbacks in the game, and Ben Johnson got in his bag on Thursday night.
The Bears got a big win that wasn't as close as the final score read. Once again, they proved to be more than capable of holding their own against a fellow Super Bowl contender, putting together a well-rounded effort on both sides of the field.
Execution wasn't perfect—it never is —but the Bears have plenty to be proud of after this game. Considering that, let's talk winners and losers from their big 30-24 win over the defending AFC champions.
Winners and losers from the Bears' gutsy win over the Patriots
Losers
Dillon Thieneman
Dillon Thieneman has had an outstanding rookie season, but even the best have some tough days in the office. He took a brutal angle to try to sack Drake Maye, and he ran onto Kyler Gordon to leave Rhamondre Stevenson wide open for a touchdown late in the second half. This will be a learning experience, though; he'll be fine.
Rome Odunze
The final stat line will show that Rome Odunze had 69 yards on four catches, including a couple of big plays in the Bears' second-to-last drive of the game. What it won't show is that he dropped an easy pass in the end zone, struggled with poor blocking, and had been a non-factor for the first three quarters of the game.
Winners
Luther Burden III
As expected, Luther Burden III is thriving with Caleb Williams back in the fold. He's emerged as the team's leading pass catcher, and his explosiveness makes him impossible to guard on the open field once he takes off. He finished the game with just four catches on as many targets, but he had 130 yards and a score.
Colston Loveland
He's alive! For the second consecutive game, Colston Loveland proved to be much more than just a decoy and a blocker. Clearly, he also missed No. 18, and he's back to doing what helped him lead the team in receiving as a rookie. He led the team in targets (12) and receptions (7) for 69 yards and a touchdown.
Kyler Gordon
All of a sudden, Kyler Gordon has become one of the Bears' leading pass rushers. He followed his three-sack performance by also sacking Drake Maye on Thursday night, adding three tackles and one assist. He was targeted once but didn't give up a catch, and it looks like he's back to his stellar level.
Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams' breakout season goes on. The third-year quarterback was efficient, making good reads and completing 22 of 33 passes for 302 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers. He layered throws, made deep passes on third down, and outplayed the No. 3 pick from his draft class. He's taking ownership of the offense and looking better by the day.
Cairo Santos (and Ben Johnson)
Bears fans with a heart condition might not appreciate Ben Johnson's gutsy call late in the game. Up six, and seemingly out of field goal range, he got Cairo Santos on the field to attempt a would-be career-long field goal. Santos, who's not known for his range, knocked down a 58-yarder to put the game out of reach. Otherwise, he would've given the Pats great field position to win it.
Ben Johnson is a mad man.
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