Kevin Byard on Bears’ Thrilling Win: ‘We’ll Never Apologize for Winning—It’s Hard to Do’
The Chicago Bears pulled off an unforgettable comeback win in Week 9, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 47-42 in a game that showcased their resilience and never-say-die attitude. For one of the game’s key defensive figures, Kevin Byard, the win meant more than just a victory—it was a reminder of the challenges that come with playing in the NFL and the significance of finding ways to win, no matter the odds.
“So much happened, it’s still processing, honestly,” Byard said after the game. “We’ll never apologize for winning in this league. It’s very hard to do.” His words struck a chord with fans and teammates alike, emphasizing the importance of celebrating victories, even when they come with their fair share of adversity.
The Bears' victory was not an easy one. Trailing for much of the game, they had to battle back from a tough deficit and overcome several obstacles. But despite the challenges, the team found a way to execute when it mattered most, with key plays and big moments from both sides of the ball.
The Bengals posed a serious threat, pushing the Bears to their limits, but the Bears’ offensive and defensive units refused to back down. Quarterback Justin Fields, in particular, was instrumental in orchestrating the comeback, showing the poise and leadership that has come to define his season. With standout performances from players like David Montgomery and a late-game interception, the Bears seized the opportunity to secure a hard-fought win.
Byard’s reflection on the game highlighted the broader theme of resilience. The NFL is a league where victories are never guaranteed, and even the most talented teams face moments of struggle. Yet, it’s those teams that find ways to come out on top that earn the most respect. Byard’s words serve as a reminder that the Bears should never take their success for granted and should continue to embrace the hard work and mental fortitude required to win in the NFL.
“We’re going to learn from this, but we’re also going to celebrate it,” Byard continued. “Every win is earned. It’s not easy, but that’s what makes it worth it. We’ve got to keep pushing, and we’ve got to keep fighting for each other. It’s not about how we start, it’s about how we finish.”
As the season progresses, the Bears will need to continue building on their resilience and adapting to the challenges that come their way. With Byard’s leadership and the team's refusal to back down, they’ve shown that they have the mental toughness to overcome adversity and make a push for the playoffs.
In the end, Byard’s message was clear: winning in the NFL is never guaranteed, and it’s something that should always be celebrated. For the Bears, this victory was just another reminder of their potential, and they’ll look to carry this momentum forward in their pursuit of a successful season.
J.J. McCarthy Gets Blunt Message After Vikings Beat Lions
The Minnesota Vikings brought J.J. McCarthy back under center for a challenging road matchup against the Detroit Lions, with added pressure to prove he belongs as the team’s starting quarterback.
McCarthy completed 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards, threw two touchdowns, and had one interception, while also adding a rushing touchdown in the 27-24 victory over their NFC North rival.
After the Vikings’ win over the Lions, CBS Sports NFL analyst Danny Kanell shared a blunt analysis of what he saw from McCarthy.
“I thought he was really impressive, going on the road against one of the better defenses and one of the better teams in the entire National Football League,” Kanell said on “CBS Sports HQ.” “I thought he played with a ton of confidence. The throw he made to Justin Jefferson was a great ball.
“Now, you’re throwing Justin on the outside. He made a great catch there, but he’s throwing the ball with a ton of confidence. He is not afraid to take many of those chances because he does have some really good weapons out there. He knows what he can do mobility-wise because he can escape and run. And it was his first time back in the lineup for a while.”
Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Now Has Confidence After the Win
Kanell elaborated even more that while there were questions regarding McCarthy, this game against the Lions is a confidence booster for the young quarterback.
“So I thought this was huge for his confidence,” Kanell added. “I don’t think he lacks any, but I still see a young player who’s a little more volatile out there. You get some good throws, you get some bad throws. He’s got to get more consistent, but I think he is playing with a ton of confidence right now for a young player.”
J.J. McCarthy Earns Praise From Vikings Teammate
After the victory over the Lions, Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson spoke with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and didn’t hold back on the praise for McCarthy.
“What a baller,” Hockenson said. “He’s a vet through and through. You wouldn’t think it by his age, but the way he carries himself, the way he performs on Sundays, and the way he operates our offense, it shows you that.”
McCarthy also spoke candidly about his own performance, but he didn’t hesitate to credit the team. The support from his teammates gave him the tools to produce at a high level and helped boost his confidence upon his return from injury.
“Obviously a lot of excitement … and I’m just so proud of the guys,” McCarthy said. “We fought, we had a different energy this week, a different level of focus. But there’s a lot more we can clean up. We haven’t reached our potential. We haven’t even gotten close yet.”
It will be interesting to see if McCarthy can carry this performance over into Week 10 when the Vikings take on the Baltimore Ravens. Moreover, the victory over the Lions puts Minnesota back in the NFC playoff picture.
