The Chicago Bears defeated the New England Patriots, 30-24, Thursday night at Soldier Field to improve to 5-2 ahead of a 10-day break.
It was ugly at times, despite the fact that the Bears led for the entire game. Penalties were once again an issue, as well as some drops, the pass defense struggled, the defensive line struggled to take advantage of a banged-up Patriots offensive line, tight end Cole Kmet suffered a knee injury that was a brutal blow for the offense and Cairo Santos' single doink nearly cost them the game -- until he kicked them to victory.
But the fact of the matter is that Chicago was able to hold on for the win. Last season, the Bears were mounting impressive fourth-quarter comebacks. This year, Chicago is learning to play with a lead and preserve victories -- although it still has all of the makings of those heart palpitations from last season's comebacks.
As you can imagine, there was plenty of excitement from the Bears' big win over a good Patriots team, where quarterback Caleb Williams had another impressive showing, Cairo Santos had a career-long 58-yard game-clinching field goal and Chicago improved to 5-2.
NFL world reacts to Bears' thrilling win vs. Patriots in prime time
With a big move on defense at the trade deadline, the Chicago Bears are a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) October 23, 2026
They might already be one right now.
Best quarterback in the NFL? It's at least time for that convo man pic.twitter.com/3fywUuQb35
— Dave (@davebftv) October 23, 2026
That's a quality victory for the #Bears over the Patriots, a 30-24 game in which Caleb Williams got the best of Drake Maye (barely) and Ben Johnson's team beat a good team. Bears improve to 5-2.
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) October 23, 2026
That’s a real good team the Bears beat. Quality win
— Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball) October 23, 2026
Fantastic night from Caleb Williams, Bears move to 5-2. And a valiant effort from a banged up New England team.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 23, 2026
Yeah Drake Maye is good, but Caleb Williams is better. pic.twitter.com/3ckVPSBypr
— Tony Daly (@Tony_Daly) October 23, 2026
Rome Odunze recovers the onside kick the Chicago Bears defeat the New England Patriots!
— Just Another Year Chicago: Bears (@JAYChi_Bears) October 23, 2026
That one was for Da Coach! pic.twitter.com/iQkz74X9za
One thing Ben Johnson is gonna do is go for the win.
— Khari D. Thompson (kdthompson5.bsky.social) (@kdthompson5) October 23, 2026
This time, that meant testing Cairo Santos to make a kick he’s never made in his career. And he did it.
That’s my kind of crazy.
Character win.
— Silvy (@WaddleandSilvy) October 23, 2026
With all the mistakes, could’ve easily blown this.
They didn’t. And that’s what counts.
It’s a new era #Bears fans.
In Ben’s pregame interview w/ @JeffJoniak…Ben said the name of the game is “find a way”.
They found a way.
🐻 ⬇️
First Bears game viewing experience I can remember that left me feeling physically ill for 2 hours and still resulted in a huge win.
— Matt Clapp (@DaBearNecess) October 23, 2026
Special, special win for this Bears team. Gutsy stuff on a short week.
— Dhruv Koul (@DhruvKoul) October 23, 2026
So impressed by both QBs tonight. Maye was out there by himself keeping the Patriots in the game. Caleb with a nearly-flawless second half to salt that game away.
5-2, mini-bye, and heading to Seattle.
Talk about a close game. Heart-stopping but a lot to clean up. Holy smokes! Bears win!!! 30-24 🐻⬇️
— WandaW (@WandaW63) October 23, 2026
Figured this was going to be close but a great win by the Bears against a great team
— South Side Bum (@windycityrebel4) October 23, 2026
Also get Jalen Johnson off this team
Bear Down pic.twitter.com/NYxLYoU0dS
BEARS WIN! BEARS WIN 30-24! OFFENSE WAS GREAT, DEFENSE WASN'T, BUT STEPPED UP WHEN THEY NEEDED TO! BEARS MOVE TO 5-2 AND A BIG TEST COMING NEXT MONDAY IN SEATTLE! THIS ONE WAS FOR DA COACH! #DaBearspic.twitter.com/fUFef266Xk
— Joe (@ChiSportsFanJoe) October 23, 2026
BEARS WIN!! Probably should’ve won by more but a W is a W. Solid performance besides the couple penalties, dropped balls and giving up the TD at the end of the half. 5-2 onto Seattle. 🐻⬇️ #DaBearspic.twitter.com/cHib6Dn7Sy
— Chicagoholic (@Chicagoholic_) October 23, 2026
Bears win summary: Caleb was good tonight. The offense was moving it tonight with Burden as the lead receiver. The defense has things to work on but a win is a win against drake Maye.
— Adan (@Adanruiz456) October 23, 2026
Seahawks next.
Do I think the Bears are the best team in the NFL? No.
— Matt Samuelson (@Cubbyxx) October 23, 2026
Will I take this team vs. anyone and everyone? Yes.
In truly uncharted territory as a Bears fan. This is a legitimate window to win it all with Caleb on his rookie contract.
Massive Bears win. Caleb Williams has done it again. Offseason alchemy with accuracy this time. MVP convo. Bears are contenders.
— Stathole (@Statholesports) October 23, 2026
With Caleb the Bears always have a chance to win. I cannot believe we finally have a QB that’s this good.
— Ryan James (@RJChicagoSports) October 23, 2026
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: NFL world reacts to Bears' thrilling prime-time win vs. Patriots