UPDATE: The Chicago Bears’ playoff journey ended in a dramatic overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams, with quarterback Caleb Williams delivering both a miraculous touchdown and a heartbreaking interception. This latest development, occurring on January 18, 2026, at Soldier Field, underscores the rollercoaster nature of Williams’ season.
With just 27 seconds left in regulation, Williams launched a stunning 40-yard touchdown pass to tight end Cole Kmet on a critical fourth-and-4 play, tying the game at 17-17. However, in overtime, Williams faced a devastating setback. After advancing to the Rams’ 48-yard line, he threw an ill-timed pass intended for DJ Moore, resulting in an interception by Rams safety Kam Curl. The Rams capitalized, marching downfield and sealing the game with a 42-yard field goal from Harrison Mevis, ending the Bears’ hopes at 20-17.
Williams’ performance was a mixed bag. He ended his second professional season with a 1-1 playoff record, following a spectacular 31-27 comeback against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round. Yet, his divisional performance against the Rams was marred by three interceptions, marking a disappointing conclusion to an otherwise promising season.
In a somber postgame address, Williams expressed his frustration:
“It’s a frustration. It’s a fire. Those are the two words that I’d go with. I’m excited, though, also. Obviously, not happy about the outcome. But that’s over with, and I can’t go back and change it.”
The game showcased Williams’ duality—his ability to deliver under pressure contrasted sharply with costly mistakes. The touchdown to Kmet was a highlight of the season, exemplifying his talent. “It just felt like a pop fly in center field,” Kmet remarked. Coach Ben Johnson praised Williams’ clutch performance, stating, “There are some things that you just can’t coach.”
However, the interception in overtime revealed a miscommunication between Williams and Moore. Williams reflected on the play, explaining,
“Just a miscommunication between him and I. Tried to flatten him off under the safety, and he kept it vertical from what I saw, obviously, in the moment.”
Despite the loss, Williams completed 23 of 42 passes for 257 yards with two touchdowns. His total of 618 passing yards and four touchdowns in two playoff games ranks second all-time in franchise history.
As the dust settles on this heartbreaking defeat, Bears fans are left pondering what could have been. Williams’ season was marked by flashes of brilliance, but the playoff loss serves as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.
What’s next for the Bears? With the offseason approaching, all eyes will be on Williams as he looks to learn from this experience and elevate his game for the upcoming season. Fans are hopeful that this young quarterback can channel his frustration into a drive for success, propelling the Bears back into playoff contention.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Bears regroup and prepare for the future.
