We all know that all good things must come to an end. For the 2025 Chicago Bears and their fans, it came to a sudden end on the evening of January 18, 2026.
The Bears lost to the Los Angeles Rams 20-17 in overtime in the NFC Divisional Playoffs, ending their magical season. Head coach Ben Johnson had the worst play-calling of the season, and as a result, the clock finally struck midnight, and their magical season came to an end despite another fourth quarter by Caleb Williams to send the game into overtime.
What makes this loss even more upsetting for many fans is that they did not get blown out. They were not physically overwhelmed or schematically outmatched. There was no noticeable talent gap. Their season ended in the NFC Divisional Round for one reason that will haunt them all offseason.
They beat themselves numerous times.
Bears didn't do enough to win against Rams
The Bears were absolutely horrendous on third- and fourth-down conversions all night. They were just three-of-six on fourth down. It was very predictable. The run with D'Andre Swift or Kyle Monangai was stopped by the Rams' defense every single time. The most impactful ones were turning the ball over on downs on the opening drive, failing on fourth-and-two from the Rams' 23, and failing again near the goal line with 3:06 left in the fourth quarter.
Playoff football is unforgiving. Every decision matters. Every moment matters. There was no need for Johnson to go for it on fourth down every single time. It cost them points. Sometimes, taking the field goal is the best decision. And if Johnson was going for it on fourth down, he should have put the ball in Williams' hand much sooner.
With the season officially over, Ben Johnson faces a tough offseason. He must now determine which players are staying and going. Not every player will stay, as they will chase a big contract. And some teams will offer them. Speaking of leaving, assistant coaches will likely leave for other teams or even go to college after being offered a promotion. Can Johnson keep the momentum going even with players and coaches leaving year after year?
Johnson must also deal with the fallout from his awkward postgame handshake with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and from yelling obscenities in the locker room after the Wildcard win over the Packers, which went viral. Social media lit up. National media pounced on him. Many questioned his maturity. Many will now openly root for his demise and the Bears'. The handshake controversy adds fuel to the fire.
Read more: Ben Johnson just needed one word to describe Caleb Williams' game-tying TD pass
As Johnson and the team enter the off-season sooner than expected, he must look in the mirror and confront the truth: This loss was on him. And Johnson will have to evolve as a coach, or the fans will not be forgiving if the same issues cost them again next season.