Chicago ended 2008 40 game streak with Bengals stunner

In a historic and highly entertaining matchup in Week 9, The Chicago Bears stunned the Cincinnati Bengals with a 47-42 victoryfinally ending a 17-year losing streak in games in which they gave up 42 or more points. A week ago, the Bears were 0-40 in such conteststheir last win coming against the Minnesota Vikings, 48-41, at Soldier Field on October 19, 2008 (h/t Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune).

The contest was an offensive exhibition from start to finish, with nine touchdowns, seven lead changes and a combined 1,071 yards of total offense. Caleb Williams led Chicago’s aerial attack, completing 20 of 34 passes for 280 yards, three touchdowns and no turnovers, finishing with a 114.8 passer rating while being sacked just twice. The quarterback also contributed to multiple trick plays, including a fourth-and-goal conversion against Rome Odunze that ended up resulting in a touchdown to DJ Moore.

Running back Kyle Monangai, who started in place of the injured D’Andre Swift, shined in his first career start, rushing for 176 yards on 26 carries with a long run of 39 yards. Monangai’s strong play in the first half, including a 100-yard drive early on, set the pace for the Bears’ high-flying attack.

Rookie tight end Colston Loveland emerged as the hero of the night, catching six passes for 118 yards and scoring his first NFL touchdown and game-winning 58-yarder with just 17 seconds left.

Facing a 42-41 deficit after Cincinnati scored 15 points in 1 minute 49 seconds, including a successful onside kick recovery, Loveland broke more tackles on the road than Williams to claim victory. His earlier 5-yard touchdown run in the third quarter gave Chicago a 24-20 lead.

While giving up 42 points, the Bears’ defense made notable interventions. Austin Booker, making his season debut, forced a crucial sack that set up the field goal. Tremaine Edmunds picked off Joe Flacco at the Chicago 4-yard line late in the game, but the replay resulted in a nil touchdown. The final score came from Nahshon Wright, who intercepted Flack’s desperation throw with four seconds left.

The Bears’ special teams and defensive mistakes nearly cost them the game, allowing the Bengals to recover an onside kick and score in the final minutes. The win improves Chicago’s record to 5-3 on the season, as the Bears have now won five of their last six games after an 0-2 start.