On a cold Monday evening, Jake Moody became an unlikely hero.
After being promoted from the practice squad to the active roster just days earlier, he calmly nailed four field goals, including a game-clinching 38-yarder in the dying minutes, on Monday night in the Bears’ 25-24 victory against the Washington Commanders.
In short, this was the type of performance that can shape a player’s career and win the moment that would turn a team’s season in the right direction. For a franchise that has struggled with place kicking, this felt like a reclamation of sorts.
Moody’s journey to Monday Night Football glory wasn’t straightforward. After bouncing around practice squads earlier this season, the Bears signed him in early October to stabilize an uncertain kicking situation.
When starter Cairo Santos was ruled out with a hip issue, Moody suddenly found himself under the national spotlight— and he delivered with poise beyond his years.
Breaking the Bears’ Kicking Curse
Fans of Chicago have experienced their own challenges at the kicker position, from the famous “double doink” playoff miss in 2019 to years of inconsistency since.
That’s why what Moody accomplished felt like more than four made kicks, but a whole psychological reset. Every time he lined up, the Bears’ sideline was collectively holding its breath, and every time he put the ball straight through the uprights.
After the game, head coach Ben Johnson praised his new kicker’s composure. “We’ve seen him in practice now for a number of weeks and we know what he’s capable of,” said Johnson. “He’s made big kicks in big games over the course of his career so far. None of that was surprising. I think that’s who he is and I think that change of scenery was good for him.”
For Moody, the night represented validation after years of persistence. Drafted by San Francisco in 2023 and later waived, he spent much of 2024 fighting for a roster spot. Now, with one performance, he’s potentially kicked his way into Chicago’s long-term plans.
A Game of Margins
The Bears’ offense stalled in the red zone multiple times, leaving Moody as their most reliable scoring option. He connected on field goals from 47, 41, 48, and 38 yards, accounting for 13 of Chicago’s 25 total points. His consistency proved essential in yet another one-point win— the second straight week Chicago triumphed 25–24.
The defining moment came late in the fourth quarter, when he connected on a 38-yarder to silence a loud Washington crowd. The Bears’ sideline erupted, and even seasoned players were seen celebrating like rookies— shock to relief.
What Comes Next
Now the question is whether Moody’s breakout performance was a spark or the start of something bigger. With Cairo Santos expected to return soon, the Bears’ coaching staff faces a tough decision: ride the hot hand or restore the veteran?
Either way, Chicago seems to have found something it’s lacked for years— trust in its kicker.
For a group experiencing injuries and growing pains, that kind of reliability could be the difference in close games and changing a season. Moody’s story is about more than just points on the scoreboard— it’s about perseverance, a dedication to practice, and readiness to take advantage of an opportunity.
If he keeps making kicks like he did on Monday night in Washington, the Bears might have finally found their answer at the kicker position— and potentially a new favorite player in the process.
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