Last night, the Chicago Bears’ season came to an end with a disappointing 20- 17 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
While our fanbase is probably still hurting, I hope we can all reach a place of positivity at some point, because this was a magical season that should be celebrated.
There’ll be no regression, because the Bears have the quarterback and head coach in place, and that usually equals an opportunity for sustained success. The Bears will be back, and while the team will have some new faces,
the core is intact, led by kindred spirits Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams.
Head coach Ben Johnson began his postgame press conference with an update on Colston Loveland, who left the game with a concussion, and then dove into his opening statement.
“Disappointing result tonight. Our guys fought the entire way just like they have all season long. I thought this was very much like our team has been, and you got to give the Rams credit. [Rams Head] Coach [Sean] McVey does a phenomenal job. [Rams defensive coordinator] Coach [Chris] Schula did a great job with their defense this week, and, you know, they ended up making a couple more plays than we did, and that’s why it ended up going into overtime, and they ended up coming out on top.”
The Rams ended the regular season as the best offense in the league, but the Bears outgained them on Sunday (417 to 340), had more first downs (23 to 22), a better time of possession (39:15 to 32:26), and were better on third downs (47.4% to 31.3%).
The Rams were better on fourth-down attempts, going 1-1 to the Bears’ 3-6; they had fewer penalties than the Bears (1-5 to 3-24); and L.A. won the turnover battle (3-0).
“Like I said, disappointing result,” Johnson continued. “Our guys are feeling it right now. They all believed, man. They all believed all year long that we could find a way to win each and every week. And so it’s disappointing like that. But I am proud of the group. You know, it’s a special group. I said that a few weeks ago. I believe that to my core that when you’re with a group of men for the last time in a locker room, and you know it’s just not going to be the same going forward, that you know I appreciate all of them. The men and the women, coaches, players, support staff, everybody. Everybody that had a role this season. It was a special year, and you know, this will be hopefully a feeling in this locker room that we won’t forget, and we’ll be able to use it as fuel going forward.”
Let’s look at the Bears’ playing time breakdowns and a few individual stats from the game.
OFFENSE
Caleb Williams made some mistakes, but he was also hurt by drops (a recurring theme all season). He also did the impossible again with that incredible fourth-down touchdown to Cole Kmet, and while this comeback fell short, the Bears were right there with a chance to win again. In Chicago’s seven losses this season, five of them were by a touchdown or less, so while plenty of doubters like to play the What If game with Chicago’s close wins, it goes the other way, too.
“It’s tough, you know, being in that locker room,” Caleb said in his postgame presser. “The best moments are being in that locker room after games and after wins, and being with the guys that you all have a common goal. You all sacrifice family time, and things like that, and all that you sacrifice to be in this position to be in those moments. So, it’s tough, and in these moments, you feel that you let your team down.”
“It’s a good lesson learned for us. First time being in this situation for me and for us as a team, and I’m excited for what’s to come. But obviously, gonna go back and watch this and figure out how I can be better, and that’s the exciting part.”
The Bears had a top ten offense, and it’s their first year in the system.
Every key contributor on that side of the ball is under contract and will return in 2026.
This season was unexpected because the future came early, but the arrow is pointing up for Ben, Caleb, and the Bears.
DEFENSE
The 2025 defense isn’t nearly as bad as the numbers and analytics would indicate. Injuries decimated this side of the ball, and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen still managed to get them to flash in moments. The Bears may not lead the NFL in interceptions and takeaways again in 2026, but it’s also unlikely they suffer so many injuries on defense again. Plus, last offseason leaned toward offense, so this offseason may skew the other way.
Jaquan Brisker had 14 tackles, a tackle for loss, a sack, and 2 passes defended.
Kyler Gordon had 7 tackles, a TFL, and a sack.
Montez Sweat had 2 tackles, a TFL, a sack, and a forced fumble.
Dominique Robinson had a tackle, TFL, sack, and a FF, and he added a special teams tackle.
D’Marco Jackson had 7 tackles and a PD.
Kevin Byard III had 5 tackles and 2 TFL.
Tremaine Edmunds had 7 tackles.
Tyrique Stevenson has 3 tackles and 2 PD.
Grady Jarrett had a tackle and a PD.
SPECIAL TEAMS*
*The above image has players who only played in the third phase.
Cairo Santos hit both extra points and a 48-yard field goal.
Tory Taylor had 3 punts and a 47.0 average (47.0 net) and 1 inside the twenty.
Devin Duvernay had 2 kickoffs for 58 yards and 3 punt returns for 33.
To check out the complete Bears vs. Rams box score, I find ESPN’s site is easy to navigate.
All statistics and snap counts, as well as the accompanying pictures, are taken directly from the NFL’s Game Statistic and Information System.
