Caleb Williams delivered a dramatic performance, almost leading the Chicago Bears to an improbable victory before their season ended with a 20-17 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC divisional playoffs. The game, held on the night of January 14, 2025, showcased Williams’ remarkable skill when he connected with tight end Cole Kmet for a stunning touchdown pass on fourth down with just 18 seconds remaining, forcing the game into overtime. However, an interception during the extra period proved decisive, ending the Bears’ remarkable playoff run.
Williams, the 24-year-old quarterback, expressed disappointment regarding the abrupt conclusion to a season highlighted by numerous comeback victories. “In these moments you feel like you let your team down,” Williams stated. “It’s a good lesson for us, first time being in this situation for me and for us as a team. I’m excited for what’s to come.”
This season marked a significant turnaround for the Bears, who improved from just five wins in 2024 to eleven, clinching the NFC North title under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. The team celebrated its first playoff victory in 15 years with a win over the Green Bay Packers on January 10, 2025.
Historic Achievements and Future Prospects
Williams made history as the first quarterback in Bears history to lead seven fourth-quarter comebacks in a single season. He also became the first player in NFL history to throw three touchdown passes in the final five minutes of a postseason game. Despite the disappointment of falling short of an eighth comeback win, Williams remains optimistic about the future. “We’re going to be here for a little bit,” he said. “I’m excited about it. I’m excited about the growth. I’m excited about being able to go back and watch this.”
The Bears’ locker room after the game was filled with a sense of pride rather than despair. Safety Kevin Byard reflected on the team’s achievements, stating, “Nobody beginning of the season picked us to be where we were at. To be in the position to still almost win the game at the end, it just didn’t work out for us this year, but just super proud of the group.” The players shared a collective gratitude for their journey, emphasizing the fun and growth experienced throughout the season.
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson noted that the team’s spirit remained high despite the loss, asserting, “We’ve had a hell of a ride, and each man individually has had a hell of a ride. We can really be thankful and have a lot of gratitude for what this season has done and how we’ve grown as men and grown as a team.”
Game Highlights and Reflections
In the critical moments of the game, the Bears trailed by seven points when Williams executed a remarkable play to tie the score. He evaded several defenders before throwing a high-arching 14-yard touchdown pass to Kmet, whose catch had a completion probability of just 17.8%, according to Next Gen Stats. This was one of three touchdown passes Williams threw on plays with a completion probability under 20% since joining the league, placing him among the top performers in this category.
Johnson praised Williams’ talent, saying, “He’s got that bottom, he’s got a knack, he’s clutch. He does so many good things. He’s an eraser.” Yet, despite his late-game heroics, Williams faced challenges in the second half, completing only 10 of 23 passes and throwing two interceptions, including the costly one in overtime that he attributed to a miscommunication with wide receiver DJ Moore. The Rams secured their victory with a field goal on the subsequent possession.
Looking ahead, Williams acknowledged the need to refine his accuracy and footwork during the offseason. As the Bears reflect on their 2025 campaign, the ambition to return to this stage of the playoffs and advance further looms large, tempered by the understanding of the challenges ahead. Kmet highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities in the league, stating, “To think that it’s just going to happen again, that’s very wishful thinking.”
With a promising season behind them and lessons learned, the Chicago Bears aim to build on their success as they prepare for the next challenge in their pursuit of championship glory.
