🏈 Ben Johnson Doesn’t Hold Back After Bears’ Overtime Heartbreak

Head Coach Reflects on Tough Divisional Loss, Praises Effort and Grit

Following the Chicago Bears’ dramatic 20–17 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round, Bears head coach Ben Johnson spoke candidly about the result, making it clear that while the defeat was painful, his team left everything on the field.

The matchup, played in frigid conditions at Soldier Field, saw Chicago mount an incredible late-game rally to force overtime — including a miraculous fourth-down touchdown pass from quarterback Caleb Williams to tight end Cole Kmet that tied the game with just seconds left in regulation.

But despite that heroic effort, and a defense that held strong late, the Bears ultimately came up short when a Williams pass in OT was intercepted by Rams safety Kamren Curl, setting up a 42-yard game-winning field goal by Harrison Mevis for Los Angeles.

Johnson: “Disappointing Result, But Fight All Year”

After the game, Johnson didn’t shy away from the emotional weight of the loss. He called the outcome “disappointing,” but quickly balanced that with praise for the way his team competed throughout the season and during Sunday’s game.

“Our guys fought the entire way, just like they have all season,” Johnson said. “You’ve got to give the Rams credit — they made a couple more plays than we did, and they came out on top.”

Johnson specifically lauded his team’s defense and Williams’ clutch play to tie the game, calling the quarterback’s final regulation drive “another level ahead” of what the team had done in prior weeks.

Caleb Williams’ Heroics and Heartbreak

Williams’ performance was one of the brightest notes of the game: the rookie QB completed a spectacular 50-yard touchdown on fourth down to force overtime, once again demonstrating his ability to stay calm under pressure.

In total, Williams threw for 257 yards with two touchdowns, but also was credited with three interceptions — including the costly OT pick that set up the Rams’ game-winning kick.

In his post-game remarks, Williams called the interception a “miscommunication” between him and wide receiver DJ Moore — a moment that ultimately shifted momentum in Los Angeles’ favor.

A Season to Build On

Even in defeat, Johnson stressed that the Bears’ season represented meaningful progress.

Chicago finished the year with an 11–6 record, captured the NFC North title, and notched their first playoff victory since 2010. Under a first-year head coach and a rookie quarterback, the Bears continually defied expectations throughout the campaign.

Johnson’s message to his team and the fanbase reflected that long-term perspective:

“This loss hurts tonight, but we laid the foundation for something special,” he said.

What Comes Next

With their season over, the Bears now shift focus to offseason preparation and how to build around Williams’ undeniable talent. Meanwhile, the Rams will advance to the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks, riding the momentum of a gritty and opportunistic victory.