The Chicago Bears may have staged another miraculous resurrection in the NFC’s Divisional round of this postseason, but they ultimately suffered the knockout punch from the visiting Los Angeles Rams.
On a freezing Sunday in the city where defense was deified, the resilient yet erratic Rams – despite surrendering a seven-point lead in the final minute of regulation – emerged from their corner to defeat the Chicago Bears 20-17 in overtime. The haymaker came on kicker Harrison Mevis’s game-winning conversion in the extra period, a 42-yard drive-ender following a turnover with 3:19 to go.
A clip posted on social media captures Williams' immediate reaction, displaying heavy disappointment, exhaustion, and internal processing following the final whistle. The footage shows QB dealing with the suddenness of the playoff exit:
QB Caleb Williams is emotional after the Chicago Bears' playoff loss pic.twitter.com/ADkI6hDlmU
— MOHAMMAD ASIF ANSARI (@WriterMohammad) January 19, 2026
"It was cool in the moment," Williams said during his post-game comments regarding the late equalizer. "I can appreciate the organization. The city of Chicago. I can appreciate the sacrifice and growth we've had as a team. And I can appreciate the growth I've had and the trust I've had with Ben and my teammates. Those are the things I can appreciate."
The Bears were on the ropes at regulation’s conclusion, with quarterback Caleb Williams – the record-setting second-year starter – throwing a game-tying touchdown to tight end Cole Kmet on a scrambling play similar to the heroics he displayed throughout the regular season with just 18 seconds remaining. The 14-yard score required the ball to travel 51.2 yards through the air after Williams retreated 20 yards to escape defensive pressure, making it one of the most improbable completions of the postseason. However, the momentum shifted on the opening possession of overtime when Rams safety Kamren Curl intercepted a deep pass from Williams. This turnover set up a game-winning drive led by Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, effectively ending the Bears' 12-game winning streak.
Ben Johnson believes QB Caleb Williams is an "eraser."
Williams finished the evening with 257 yards through the air, completing 23 of 42 attempts for two touchdowns. Overall, the quarterback tossed three interceptions – a career-high mark against Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, who received credit for a game plan that stifled the Chicago offense for much of the evening. Analysts pointed to the Rams' defensive front, led by Jared Verse, as a deciding factor in disrupting the Chicago passing lanes. Despite the interceptions, head coach Ben Johnson maintained that Williams did not show nerves during the high-stakes game, describing the rookie as an "eraser" who compensates for coaching mistakes.
“He's an eraser, you know,” Johnson said. “I have plenty of bad calls each and every week and he helps make it right for me. I know he's feeling it because we didn't win.”
Caleb Williams has been the most resilient leader that the Chicago franchise has drafted in decades, setting a modern NFL record for a first-year starter by leading seven fourth-quarter comeback wins. These frequent late-game heroics led regional sports networks to refer to the squad as the "Cardiac Bears" throughout the 2025 campaign.
The loss concluded a historic season for the Chicago franchise, as Williams moved into fourth place on the Bears' all-time playoff passing list with 619 career yards and tied Jim McMahon and Rex Grossman for second in franchise history with four playoff passing touchdowns, according to FOX Sports.
The Los Angeles Rams will face the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship next weekend, immediately following their survival at Soldier Field.
The Bears will begin their offseason exit process immediately, with Williams stating he intends to review game film to improve his footwork and accuracy. The quarterback plans to organize offseason sessions with his receivers to ensure they are prepared for training camp.
More Chicago Bears News:
- Matthew Stafford credits Dennis Allen for disrupting Rams offense
- 'The elements weren't a factor': Caleb Williams dismisses weather critique
- What did Caleb Williams see on that miraculous TD pass to Cole Kmet?
- A look at the postgame handshake between Sean McVay, Ben Johnson