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Bears vs. Commanders: Caleb Williams Shows Growth, Officiating Sparks Controversy Season 2 Episode 12

 

By Shawn Mackey | The Shawn Mackey Show

The Chicago Bears pulled off another nail-biter, edging the Washington Commanders 25–24 thanks to a last-second Jake Moody field goal. Déjà vu? It’s the exact same score the Bears used to beat the Raiders earlier this season. But while the scoreboard might feel familiar, the story behind it tells a lot about progress, resilience — and questionable officiating.

Caleb Williams: Early Promise, Late Poise

Caleb Williams started strong, showing command in the pocket early on. Despite some shaky moments and a few too-hot short passes, the rookie kept his cool when it mattered most — leading the Bears downfield for the game-winning kick.

Stat line?

  • 17 of 29 passing for 252 yards

  • 2 total touchdowns (one rushing)

Compare that to Commanders QB Jayden Daniels — 19 of 26 for 263 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception — and it’s clear both young stars are making their cases as future franchise cornerstones. Still, the numbers tell only half the story.

Even with a few missed throws and a controversial officiating night, Williams is progressing. And the comparison that surfaced this week — his first 22 career games versus Troy Aikman’s — shows he’s on the right path. Williams’ 4,720 yards, 29 TDs, and just 8 interceptions far outpace Aikman’s early stats. If that’s any indicator, Bears fans should feel optimistic.

DeAndre Swift: The Offensive Engine

If anyone stole the show, it was DeAndre Swift.

  • 14 carries for 108 yards (7.7 avg)

  • 67 receiving yards and a touchdown

This was easily Swift’s best rushing performance as a Bear. Behind an improving offensive line — anchored by Darnell Wright and Theo Benedett — the Bears churned out 145 total rushing yards. Even backup Roschon Johnson chipped in on special teams while working back from injury.

The “Greats and Ain’ts” of Week 12

Every week, I break down my “Greats and Ain’ts” — the players who shined and those who need a reset.

Greats

  • DeAndre Swift – Explosive and reliable, the Bears’ offensive MVP.

  • Darnell Wright – Tough and consistent, even with that bulky elbow brace.

  • Luther Burden III – Four catches for 51 yards, showing he’s ready for a bigger role.

  • Scott Daly (Long Snapper) – The unsung hero who helped set up the game-winning kick.

  • Devin Duvernay – 120 yards on kick returns; just one block away from breaking one.

Ain’ts

  • Kyler Gordon – Rusty return; gave up key plays in coverage.

  • Naishon Wright – Costly penalties and missed opportunities on defense.

Officiating Woes Continue

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room — the officiating. A phantom illegal formation penalty on Theo Benedett wiped out a stunning Rome Odunze touchdown, even as analysts like Troy Aikman and the broadcast ref both called it a clean play. Add in the questionable OPI on Colston Loveland, and it’s no wonder fans were heated.

And this isn’t just a Bears problem. That recent UTEP study alleging bias in officiating toward certain playoff teams — particularly the Chiefs — may not be gospel, but it reflects growing fan frustration. When officiating affects outcomes, it’s a league-wide issue.

College Corner: The NCAA Poll Problem

The NCAA Top 25 is a weekly exercise in chaos. As I said on the show, the AP Poll is looking more like a guessing game than a ranking system. For example:

  • Two-loss Notre Dame sits at No. 13 after losing to No. 2 Miami and No. 4 Texas A&M.

  • Meanwhile, two-loss Illinois (to No. 1 Ohio State and No. 3 Indiana) drops completely out of the AP rankings.

How does that make sense? It doesn’t. That’s why I’m leaning more toward the AFCA Coaches Poll — the folks with boots on the ground. The coaches’ rankings seem to reflect reality a little better.

Looking Ahead: Bears vs. Saints

The Bears are set to face the 1–5 New Orleans Saints next week — and I’ll be broadcasting from a new location for that episode. Expect some format tweaks and, hopefully, a fourth straight win. If the O-line keeps improving and Caleb Williams keeps maturing, this team might be turning the corner.

Bear down, Chicago.
 Peace — I’m out like Sprout.
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