CHICAGO — In a dramatic conclusion to their season, the Chicago Bears fell to the Los Angeles Rams 20-17 in an overtime playoff game on January 14, 2024. Quarterback Caleb Williams faced a challenging end to his second NFL season, marked by three turnovers that contributed to the loss. During a postgame press conference, Williams expressed a mix of disappointment and resolve as he processed the abrupt ending to a promising season.
Reflecting on the game, Williams stated, “In these moments, you feel like you let your team down. You feel this or that. It’s a good lesson learned.” His voice revealed the weight of his emotions, as he acknowledged the frustration and determination that would shape his off-season. “It’s a frustration,” he added. “It’s a fire. Those are the two words I’d go with.”
The atmosphere at Soldier Field shifted dramatically when Rams kicker Harrison Mevis scored a 42-yard field goal with just over three minutes remaining in overtime. Coach Ben Johnson commented on the abrupt end to the Bears’ playoff journey, noting, “We knew we had to win four in a row to actually feel good at the end of this thing. And we didn’t get that done.”
The game began to turn in the Bears’ favor as they mounted a promising drive in overtime. Williams completed four consecutive passes, including a crucial fourth-and-1 sneak. However, the momentum shifted dramatically on a pivotal play. On second-and-8, a miscommunication between Williams and receiver DJ Moore led to an interception by Rams safety Kam Curl, setting up the game-winning field goal.
Williams finished the game with 257 passing yards, completing 23 of 42 attempts, including two touchdowns. Yet, the three interceptions highlighted the duality of his performance: flashes of brilliance mixed with moments of inexperience. His last pass of regulation, a spectacular throw to tight end Cole Kmet, has already become a highlight of the season. With the Bears trailing 17-10 and time running out, Williams managed to evade a collapsing pocket and launched a 51-yard pass to Kmet, who secured the ball in the end zone.
Kmet described the moment as surreal, stating, “I kind of felt like it was in slow motion. Can’t believe Caleb. Again.” The throw had a mere 17.8 percent completion probability, making it one of the most remarkable plays of the season. Next Gen Stats confirmed it as the longest completed red zone pass tracked in the past decade.
Despite the disappointment, the bond between Williams and Johnson has grown significantly throughout the season. “That’s something that was very important for me,” Williams noted. “Because I want to be here for a while. And I know he wants to be here for a while.” Johnson echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about Williams’ development and the potential for future success.
As the Bears look ahead to the 2026 season, both Williams and Johnson understand the challenges that lie ahead. “Next season is next season. It’s a whole different group. It’s a whole different chapter,” Johnson remarked. The lessons learned from this season’s heart-wrenching loss will be crucial as the team prepares to build on their progress.
In a league known for its unpredictability, the Bears’ journey forward will require resilience and commitment. With the weight of this season’s ending still fresh, Williams is determined to channel his frustration into motivation for the future. As he stated, “It ends quickly. That’s life in this league.”
