The Chicago Bears’ playoff journey came to a heart-wrenching end on January 18, 2026, as they lost to the Los Angeles Rams in a thrilling NFC divisional game. Quarterback Caleb Williams showcased both brilliance and misfortune, delivering a spectacular touchdown but ultimately throwing the decisive interception in overtime.
With just 27 seconds remaining in regulation, the Bears faced a critical fourth-and-4 situation at the Rams’ 14-yard line. In a moment of high pressure, Williams retreated to the 40-yard line and launched a deep pass that found tight end Cole Kmet in the end zone, tying the game at 17-17. This remarkable play underscored Williams’ ability to perform in clutch moments, a hallmark of his season.
However, the game took a turn in overtime. After a promising drive to the Rams’ 48-yard line, Williams faced another critical moment. In an attempt to connect with wide receiver DJ Moore, he unwittingly threw an interception to Rams safety Kam Curl. The Rams capitalized on the turnover, scoring the game-winning field goal on a subsequent drive, sealing the Bears’ fate with a final score of 20-17.
Williams’ playoff performance was a mix of highs and lows. He ended his second professional season with a 1-1 record in the postseason, following a remarkable comeback victory against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round. That game saw Williams rally the Bears from behind, demonstrating his talent and resilience.
In his postgame remarks, Williams expressed a mix of frustration and determination. “It’s a frustration. It’s a fire. Those are the two words that I’d go with,” he said. He acknowledged the disappointment of the loss but emphasized his commitment to improving. “I can’t go back and change it. I’m going to go back and watch, figure out how I can be better for the near future and help this organization get to where we want to be.”
Miraculous Touchdown and Overtime Interception
The dramatic touchdown play was emblematic of Williams’ season, during which he made difficult throws appear routine. After the Rams were forced to punt, the Bears took possession at midfield. Williams quickly connected with Kmet for an 18-yard gain, but the drive stalled momentarily. Facing a crucial fourth down, he evaded the Rams’ defenders and executed a flawless throw to Kmet, who made the catch in the left corner of the end zone.
Kmet described the moment, saying, “It just felt like a pop fly in center field. A lot of those DBs have a tough time tracking it.” Bears head coach Ben Johnson praised Williams’ skill, calling the play “ridiculous.” Kmet added, “Can’t believe Caleb, again, just the nutty throws he can make.”
In stark contrast, the overtime interception proved costly. After starting their drive at the 16-yard line, the Bears moved the ball effectively, including a critical 12-yard connection with Kmet. However, on a second-and-8 play, Williams misread Moore’s route. Instead of the intended sideline pass, Moore continued his route deeper, allowing Curl to intercept the ball. Williams reflected on the miscommunication, stating, “Tried to flatten him off under the safety, and he kept it vertical.”
Johnson noted the loss was not due to Williams’ nerves and emphasized the need to review the interceptions for learning opportunities. “I didn’t think he had any jitters or anything like that,” Johnson said. “Those guys made plays, and we didn’t.”
Despite the heartbreak, Williams concluded the game with commendable statistics, completing 23 of 42 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns. In total, he accumulated 618 passing yards and four touchdowns across the two playoff games, ranking second in franchise history for postseason performances.
As the Bears reflect on a season filled with potential and promise, Williams remains a focal point for the team’s future aspirations. With his demonstrated talent and determination, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he builds on his experiences in the coming years.