Raiders unravel against Bears for third straight defeat

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) breaks a tackle attempt by Chicago Bears free safety Kevin Byard (31) and runs for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game at Allegiant Stadium Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 Photo by: Steve Marcus

Add a complete collapse to the list of ways the Raiders have found to lose games this season.

After getting bullied two weeks ago against the Chargers and blown out last week against the Commanders, the Raiders did most of the damage to themselves against the Bears Sunday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium.

Las Vegas allowed an 11-play, 69-yard touchdown drive in the final minutes of the game to fall 25-24 to Chicago for its third consecutive defeat.

The Bears’ offense was inefficient for the first three quarters but came alive just enough in the fourth quarter. Veteran running back D’Andre Swift got to the edge for a 2-yard rushing touchdown with 1:34 remaining that wound up the game winner.

The Raiders nearly clawed their way back up by getting into field-goal range in the final minute, but veteran kicker Daniel Carlson couldn’t be the savior.

The Bears’ Josh Blackwell blocked a 54-yard field goal attempt from Carlson to secure victory.

The large contingent of orange and blue visiting fans went wild as the players ran towards the stands to celebrate with them. Raiders’ faithful headed toward the exits.

The latter group saw flashes of brilliance throughout the afternoon, and a dominant performance in terms of efficiency. Las Vegas outgained Chicago 357-271 in total yardage and averaged 2.7 more yards per play, but the production didn’t matter.

The Raiders made too many mistakes throughout and were especially careless with the game on the line.

They got down to the 7-yard line on the offensive possession before the missed field goal with a chance to all but seal the game but lost four yards from there and settled for a field goal.

Bears second-year quarterback Caleb Williams and new coach Ben Johnson came alive with a chance to steal a victory, marching down the field to set up Swift’s score.

Johnson finished with 212 passing yards while completing 22 of 37 attempts with one touchdown to Bishop Gorman graduate Rome Odunze, who had four catches for 69 yards.

Chicago’s passing game wasn’t high-flying, but it was a heck of a lot better than Las Vegas’ effort. Geno Smith struggled for the third straight game, throwing three interceptions and finishing with only 117 yards on 14-for-21 passing.

He had a pair of short touchdown passes to Ashton Jeanty but the rookie running back was wide open on both of them. Jeanty was the Raiders’ offensive standout in a breakout performance with 155 yards from scrimmage on 23 touches.

A matchup with the league’s worst rushing defense couldn’t have come at a better time as new coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly finally got to see the run-first philosophy they’ve preached for months pay off.

In total, Las Vegas had 31 carries for 240 yards. Veteran free-agent signing Raheem Mostert was as lethal as Jeanty in his first action with four rushing attempts for 62 yards.

Jeanty had the longest run, though, with a 64 yard scamper down the sideline where he broke a shoestring tackle attempt by Chicago safety Kevin Byard.

Las Vegas couldn’t finish off drives when it was most vital, however, to send it to an all too familiar fate. The Raiders also wasted a memorable day from team captain and edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who had an interception, three tackles for loss, three passes defensed and a forced fumble.

Crosby kept the Raiders afloat during a rough start that included a Jeanty fumble and Smith’s first interception. They led most of the rest of the way after Jeanty scored the game’s first touchdown in the final seconds of the first quarter but eventually fell apart.

Busting out of the downward slide won’t get any easier next week when the Raiders (1-3) travel to take on the Indianapolis Colts (3-1).

This is a developing story. Check back to lasvegassun.com later for more coverage.