Chicago Bears walked away with a dramatic Week 10 win over the New York Giants, but the victory didn’t come without consequences. Several key defensive players were hit with substantial fines following the matchup, overshadowing an otherwise resilient late-game performance at Soldier Field.
The NFL’s GameDay Accountability report confirmed that two Bears starters—edge rusher Austin Booker and veteran safety Kevin Byard—were fined for helmet-related violations committed during the contest. Their infractions added a costly layer to what was already an intense, high-pressure showdown.
Booker and Byard penalized for Helmet-use violations
Rookie pass rusher Austin Booker was fined $5,818 after officials flagged him for lowering the crown of his helmet during a first-quarter tackle. While the fine amount is moderate by league standards, it lands harder on Booker, who is still playing under his $4.3 million rookie contract.
Safety Kevin Byard faced a far steeper penalty. The veteran defender was fined $23,186 for a similar helmet-use violation during the third quarter. Despite earning just under $6 million this season, the significant fine underscores the NFL’s continued focus on minimizing dangerous contact techniques across all defensive positions.
Chicago Bears rally late to secure a hard-fought win
Despite the penalties, the Bears’ gritty 24–20 victory highlighted their resilience in critical moments. For much of the game, Chicago struggled to generate consistent offense. Through three quarters, the team had produced just 275 total yards, trailing by 10 points with just over 10 minutes left.
But quarterback Caleb Williams delivered when it mattered most. The rookie put together one of his strongest closing stretches of the season, finishing 22-of-34 for 246 yards, two touchdowns, and no turnovers. His impact extended beyond the air, as he added 63 rushing yards, including the game-sealing touchdown scramble that pushed Chicago ahead in the final minutes.
Williams’ command on third down was particularly pivotal. Chicago Bears converted 7-of-14, marking their best third-down efficiency since Week 4—an encouraging sign for an offense that has struggled with consistency.
Defense recovers after rocky start
Chicago’s defense had its share of difficulties, surrendering 431 total yards, the second-highest they’ve allowed this season. The unit initially appeared unsettled by the Giants’ tempo under quarterback Jaxson Dart, who kept drives alive with rapid pacing and quick reads.
However, once Dart exited the game with a concussion, Chicago Bears’ defense tightened up, allowing just 4.8 yards per play across New York’s final four possessions. The late improvement helped secure the narrow victory, even as penalties and lapses kept the contest tight into the closing seconds.