Sunday night’s divisional-round matchup on MLK Day weekend featured what many have dubbed the “Caleb Williams experience.”
Williams produced a miracle touchdown pass at the end of regulation to keep the Bears’ season alive, but also turned the ball over three times throughout the game. He looked sluggish coming out of halftime before finding a rhythm late in the fourth quarter, mirroring his performance from the previous week against Green Bay. Williams finished the night 23-of-42 for 257 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions.
On the other sideline, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford wasn’t particularly efficient and the Bears’ defense kept Los Angeles from putting up gaudy numbers. Bears head coach Ben Johnson said afterward that he was proud of the defensive effort considering the Rams have the No. 1 offense.
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With uneven play from both quarterbacks, much of the scrutiny fell on Williams for his three interceptions — the final one coming in overtime, his last throw of the season, before the Rams marched down the field and kicked the game-winning field goal.
It was a night that showcased both the highs and lows of Williams’ game, leaving some to wonder if weather conditions played a role. If Williams is going to be the Bears’ quarterback long term, similar — or even harsher — postseason conditions are likely to come with the territory in Chicago (unless a roofed stadium eventually becomes reality).
Williams, who played high school football in Washington, D.C. And attended USC for college, was asked after the game whether the weather affected his performance, and he didn’t hesitate.
“The elements weren’t a factor for me,” he said. “I practiced in it every single day.”
Regardless, a team from sunny California came into Chicago and advanced to the NFC championship game, which will be played next Sunday in Seattle.
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