Divisional Round ends in heartbreak as the Rams ends Bears’ magical season

The Los Angeles Rams beat the Chicago Bears, 20-17 in overtime, ending Chicago’s magical run in Ben Johnson’s inaugural year on the sidelines.

The story of the game before kickoff was the Bears’ left side of the offensive line, with All-Pro left guard Joe Thuney kicking outside to left tackle and Jordan McFadden getting his first start since 2023 at left guard.

Thuney was his usual steady and professional self, and McFadden was solid. It wasn’t perfect over there, but they showed why the coaching staff trusted them.

The story of the game, as it wore on, however, was the Bears’ defense. They held the Rams’ explosive offense in check and kept the Bears in the game.

The story of the game in the fourth quarter was more Caleb Williams magic.

The game was tied at 10 through three quarters, but the Rams put together a 14-play 91-yard drive capped off by a Kyren Williams touchdown to take the lead.

The Bears fought back with a 12-play 56-yard drive, but they turned it over on downs when Caleb Williams’ pass at the goal line was knocked away.

Chicago’s defense forced a Los Angeles punt at the two-minute warning, and Caleb and the offense were back in business.

The Bears drove down into the red zone; they had a couple of missed shots into the end zone, but were forced into another fourth-down try.

Caleb Williams scrambled around, drifted backwards, and lofted a pass into the left corner of the end zone to Cole Kmet for a touchdown.

Cairo Santos hit the extra point.

Overtime.

Chicago’s defense came up huge again and forced a Rams three-and-out.

L.A. punted.

The Bears had a chance to win the game.

But the magic ran out as Caleb threw an interception. Matthew Stafford drove the Rams down, and Harrison Mevis hit the game-winning field goal to send them to the NFC Championship game.

Chicago’s season comes to a close.