Williams returns with 305 yards as Gordon helps Bears hold off Falcons 31-23

Caleb Williams completed his first 12 passes in his return from a hamstring injury, and Kyler Gordon supplied the turnover that finally stopped Atlanta's comeback. The Bears beat the Falcons 31-23 on Sunday after building a 24-point lead early in the fourth quarter.

Williams, who missed three games, finished 30 of 36 for 305 yards and a touchdown. Gordon, activated from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, recorded three sacks and forced two fumbles in his first appearance of the season. Chicago improved to 4-2; Atlanta fell to 2-4.

The Bears scored on their first two possessions, starting with Williams' 14-yard touchdown pass to Colston Loveland. D'Andre Swift added a 4-yard scoring run for a 14-0 lead. Williams was accurate immediately, going 6 of 6 for 64 yards on the opening drive.

Swift turns a takeaway into points

Atlanta began to respond when Michael Penix Jr. connected with Drake London for 39 yards and then Jahan Dotson for a 13-yard touchdown. The Falcons forced a punt on Chicago's next possession, but Zachariah Branch muffed the fair catch and Josh Blackwell recovered at the Atlanta 10.

Swift scored from two yards out three plays later. Chicago's official video shows the finish that restored a two-touchdown lead before halftime:

Swift finished with 44 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Roschon Johnson added 51 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Luther Burden III caught eight passes for 95 yards. Loveland had six catches for 65 yards and the opening score.

Chicago added Johnson's 4-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Another Branch fumble, this time on a kickoff return, gave the Bears a short field for Cairo Santos' 50-yard field goal and a 31-7 lead.

Gordon closes the door

Penix found Kyle Pitts for a 10-yard touchdown and completed a two-point pass to Branch. After Johnson lost a fumble, Penix and Pitts connected again, this time from five yards, before a two-point pass to London made it 31-23 with 5:41 remaining.

Gordon then sacked Penix and forced a fumble that Devin Bush recovered at the Falcons' 28. The Bears' official clip captures the pressure that ended Atlanta's last chance to tie:

Chicago ran out the clock after that recovery. Penix finished 19 of 33 for 225 yards and three touchdowns, but Atlanta lost three fumbles and converted only three of 12 third downs. The Bears held the ball for 40:08 and overcame 12 penalties for 133 yards.

Falcons linebacker Kendal Daniels left with a neck injury. Atlanta said he was alert, had movement in all extremities and was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for further evaluation.

The Bears host New England on Thursday. Atlanta hosts San Francisco next Sunday.