
The Chicago Bears seemed destined to make a trip to this year's NFC Championship Game when quarterback Caleb Williams pulled a rabbit out of his hat and connected with tight end Cole Kmet for a highlight-reel touchdown late in Sunday night's divisional-round playoff game versus the Los Angeles Rams.
However, the Rams broke Chicago hearts by earning a 20-17 overtime victory at Soldier Field. Following the defeat, first-year Bears head coach Ben Johnson reflected on a play that diehard Bears fans won't soon forget.
"Ridiculous," Johnson said about Williams' scramble and throw, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN. "That's ridiculous. ...There's some things that you just can't coach. He's got that bottom, he's got a knack, he's clutch. He does so many good things. He's an eraser. I have plenty of bad calls each and every week, and he helps make it right for me."
In total, Williams recorded seven comeback wins after trailing in the fourth quarter of games from Week 1 through the Bears' wild-card playoff victory over the rival Green Bay Packers back on Jan. 10. On Sunday night, Chicago was trailing by seven points and facing a 4th-and-4 with under 30 seconds left on the clock when Williams sprinted roughly 25 yards backwards before he heaved a prayer of a pass toward Kmet, who created enough separation to complete the catch and get both feet in bounds.
NO WAY. CALEB WILLIAMS HEAVES IT ON 4TH DOWN.
— NFL (@NFL) January 19, 2026
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Of course, Williams wasn't perfect against the Rams. He tossed three interceptions, the last of which occurred in overtime during what became Chicago's final offensive possession of the season.
"I know he's feeling it because we didn't win and had some turnovers mixed in there, and he's feeling it," Johnson added. "But he's one of those guys I'm talking about that will remember this feeling, and he's going to be stronger for it."
While Williams silenced critics with his fourth-quarter heroics throughout the campaign, the second-year pro showed on Sunday evening that he is still a work in progress. If Johnson is right about how his QB1 will respond to this disappointment, the future should be quite bright for the Bears.
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