About a year ago, when Ben Johnson stepped in as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, his main goal was to shape an identity centered around quarterback Caleb Williams.
“We’re going to break this down and rebuild it with him at the forefront,” Johnson emphasized back in January 2024.
Now, that same energy has become the hallmark of the NFC North champions.
Under Johnson’s leadership, along with Williams’ revival, the Bears managed to set an NFL record last season by winning seven games after trailing in the final two minutes.
“There’s this sense of belief they’ve cultivated,” Rams head coach Sean McVay commented regarding the Bears. “When you achieve this kind of success, it’s not unlike other greats. Watching Caleb, I see that confidence in the team; they believe they can pull through. That’s what sets them apart. Protecting him will be a significant challenge.”
While one might assume the Bears’ luck could eventually fade, evidence suggests they’re only getting bolder. Their standout victories, particularly against Green Bay, underscore this trend.
Take Week 16, for instance. Down 16-6 with just under six minutes left, the Bears managed to cut the lead down with a field goal, recovered an onside kick, and Williams threw a fourth-down touchdown pass to push it to overtime. He then clinched the game with a 46-yard touchdown pass.
In last week’s wild-card match, Chicago began the fourth quarter trailing 21-6. Despite a deficit of 11 points with just over six minutes remaining, they turned it around to win 31-27, moving onto the divisional round against the Rams.
“This is definitely becoming our identity now,” Johnson remarked after the Green Bay game. “Some say it’s not sustainable, but I’m not convinced. We’re explosive on both sides of the ball, and we’ve shown resilience. The last part of the fourth quarter? That’s our hour. We need to work on a better start, but it gives us something to chase. I’m proud of this team.”
Disciplined Defense
A notable pattern in Chicago’s comeback wins appears to be their knack for making big plays when it counts.
And that often hinges on Williams.
His ability to extend plays with his legs has been pivotal. For example, in the fourth quarter against Cincinnati in Week 9, he ran for 52 yards, showcasing his talent when the Bears needed it most.
According to McVay, limiting explosive plays comes down to maintaining discipline at the line of scrimmage. Keeping Williams contained in the pocket is more strategic than letting him create outside of it.
“His explosive ability has been key,” McVay noted. “He has a knack for making critical plays under pressure. He can extend plays, scan the field, and deliver impressive throws, making it easy for the Bears to re-enter the game.”
Special Teams Mistakes
Rams kicker Harrison Mavis, who joined mid-season, could play a crucial role this Sunday. His skill in handling tough weather conditions will be essential, as points will be hard to come by.
For the Rams, racking up points—whether through touchdowns or field goals—is crucial. They must avoid any mistakes, especially late in the game, that could give Chicago an advantage.
It’s not just the kicking game; every aspect of their special teams must perform flawlessly as the game winds down.
Long Drive
The best way to undermine an opponent in the closing minutes is to maintain long, grind-it-out drives. Once the Rams get a lead, finding an offensive rhythm will be essential.
If the offensive line can assert itself against the Bears’ aggressive defense, it opens the door for quarterback Stafford and standout receivers like Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to shine, especially with their ability to maximize yards after the catch.
