Overview
- Chicago erased a 21-3 halftime deficit and poured in 25 points in the fourth quarter, with Caleb Williams throwing key late touchdowns in a 31-27 wild-card win.
- Johnson had shown the team Super Bowl LI during training camp and invited Thuney and Jarrett to describe their experiences from that game as a blueprint for resilience.
- At halftime, Johnson told players they would author the greatest comeback in Bears history and emphasized a one-play-at-a-time approach that resonated in the locker room.
- The rally ranks among the rare playoff turnarounds associated with New England’s 28-3 game and delivered Chicago’s first playoff win in 15 years, sending the Bears to the divisional round.
- Packers coach Matt LaFleur faces renewed scrutiny after another blown postseason lead, having been on Atlanta’s staff during Super Bowl LI.