Bear Digest

Bears vs. Raiders: 5 studs who powered Chicago’s stunning victory

These five Bears players were key reasons why Chicago won their second game in a row.
Bryan Perez|
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Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears evened their record to 2-2 with their stunning come-from-behind victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4, 25-24.

While it wasn't a perfect four quarters of football, there were plenty of positives that Ben Johnson and the coaching staff will pull from Sunday's tape.

These four players especially stood out and were key factors in the Chicago Bears' win.

Chicago Bears free safety Kevin Byard (31) runs with the ball during the first half against Las Vegas Raiders
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Kevin Byard III

The most impactful player in Sunday's Chicago Bears win was Byard, who stuffed the stat sheet with seven tackles, one tackle for loss, and two interceptions. He had Raiders QB Geno Smith's number all afternoon and kept the Bears in a position to ultimately win the game.

Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (29) celebrates after retrieving a fumble
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Tyrique Stevenson

Like Byard, Stevenson ended Sunday's game with a critical interception. With Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon shelved with injuries, it was on Stevenson to be the alpha of the cornerback group. He proved up to the task with six tackles, two passes defended, and his INT. It's safe to say Stevenson has made up for his gaffes in 2024.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) runs the ball during the second half against Las Vegas Raiders
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Rome Odunze

Odunze is quickly becoming the best receiver from the 2024 NFL draft class. He scored his fifth touchdown of the season and now has a TD in every game this year. Odunze is the clear WR1 in Chicago, and his four catches for 69 yards and a score were essential for the Bears to win Sunday's game.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) celebrates after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders
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Caleb Williams

Was Caleb Williams perfect on Sunday? No. However, it's a great sign that Chicago was able to win a game despite Williams being under pressure all afternoon. Indeed, Williams proved that when the pressure is at its highest, he delivers. He was efficient and smart with the football on the Bears' game-winning drive, and took another big step forward in his development. Williams finished the game 22-of-37 for 212 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (8) kicks a field goal during the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders
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Cairo Santos

Let's give Santos the credit he deserves. He's been under fire lately, but he connected on all four of his field goal attempts, including a long of 52 yards. It's the kind of performance that should give the Bears confidence in Santos, who's proven to be a reliable kicker for Chicago over the last few seasons.

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Bryan Perez
BRYAN PEREZ

Bryan Perez founded and operated Bears Talk, a Chicago sports blog. Prior to that, he covered the Bears for USA Today’s Bears Wire and NBC Sports Chicago. In addition to his Chicago Bears coverage, Perez is a respected member of NFL Draft media and was a past winner of The Huddle's Mock Draft competition. Bryan's past life includes time as a Northeast scout for the CFL's Ottawa Redblacks.

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