Rams-Bears takeaways: L.A. ends Chicago's magical season

According to Next Gen Stats, that TD pass traveled 51.2 yards in the air, making it the longest completed pass by air distance in the red zone since 2016. The completion probability was only 17.8%.

It looked like all signs were pointing to another stunning comeback from this Bears team. When all was said and done, the magic finally ran out after an interception in overtime led to the game-winning field goal from Rams kicker Harrison Mevis.

Rams offense gets away with ugly performance

Quarterback Matthew Stafford led the NFL in passing yards per game (277 YPG) and TDs (46) entering the weekend, while wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams had the most receptions (129) and receiving TDs (14), respectively.

All three were not their best, but some missed opportunities from the Bears and a three-takeaway night from the defense were crucial. The last of those takeaways from safety Kamren Curl gave the ball back to the offense, eventually leading to the game-winning kick from the rookie Mevis.

Stafford was only 20-of-42 for 258 yards, but he made key throws to Nacua and Adams on the final drive and helped the Rams escape with the road win in frigid Chicago.

Ben Johnson's fourth-down aggressiveness proves costly

The first-year Bears head coach has had no issue going for it on fourth down this season. Just one week ago, in the wild-card win over the Green Bay Packers, Chicago went for it six times on fourth down, but only converted two of those.

The Bears were 3-of-6 on fourth down on Sunday night, including the miraculous throw from Williams to force overtime. However, if Johnson elected to take the three points when the Bears were just outside the red zone on their opening drive or on their own 32-yard-line in a tie game late in the first half, it could have been a much different outcome.

However, in a game that was decided by one score, that decision-making on those drives proved costly and put the Bears in a position they did not have to be in.

Cobie Durant shines for Rams defense

The Rams played a solid game defensively, and Durant was a big reason why. He had two of the three interceptions, including this one in the third quarter with the game tied at 10. According to NFL Plus, he is the first Rams player with two interceptions in a playoff game since 2002.

Curl made the game-saving pick in overtime with the Bears only needing a field goal to win the game, but Durant accomplished something not seen from a Rams player in more than two decades, which proved to be extremely important considering the offensive struggles throughout the night.