Overview
- Chicago fell 20-17 in OT after Caleb Williams’ 4th-and-4 touchdown to Cole Kmet with 18 seconds left was followed by an overtime interception by Kamren Curl that set up Harrison Mevis’ 42-yard winner.
- Ben Johnson said he considered a two-point try but chose the extra point because goal-to-go and inside-the-five execution had been inconsistent, expressing confidence in taking chances in overtime.
- The Bears attempted six fourth-down conversions and made three, including a late goal-to-go sequence that stalled at the Rams’ 5, a level of aggression some analysts said left points on the field.
- At locker clean-out, Williams backed Johnson’s leadership and said he will target footwork and accuracy this offseason, as players and staff emphasized using the loss as fuel.
- In Johnson’s first year, Chicago went 11-6, won the NFC North and earned its first playoff victory in 15 years; with the offensive line under contract, key questions now center on safety contracts and boosting the defensive front.