Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson sounds off on ‘disappointing’ loss to Rams

The Chicago Bears had plenty of opportunities to beat the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night, but they came up short in a 20-17 loss in overtime.

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The Bears defense held the Rams in check for most of the game. Los Angeles and Chicago were tied at 10-10 going into halftime.

However, the Bears offense was unable to convert on short-yardage situations on third and fourth down. Instead of putting the ball in quarterback Caleb Williams’ hands in those situations, head coach Ben Johnson tried and failed to get the running game going.

Eventually, the Rams took a 17-10 lead in the fourth quarter. Caleb Williams made another miraculous touchdown throw to send the game into overtime, but miscommunication with DJ Moore led to an interception that Los Angeles would capitalize on with its next possession.

Williams finished with 257 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. The Bears rushed 39 times for 160 yards, but no touchdowns. The Bears’ inability to settle for field goal opportunities or convert first downs running the ball killed their chances of advancing to play the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC championship.

During his postgame news conference, Johnson said he was disappointed by the final outcome.

“Our guys fought the for the most part, made it through that game. But you know, disappointing, disappointing result tonight,” Johnson said. “Our guys fought the entire way, just like they have all season long. I thought, you know, this was very much like our team has been, and you got to give the Rams credit…

“They ended up making a couple more plays than we did, and that’s why ended up going into overtime, and they ended up coming out on top. And so, you know, like I said, disappointing result.”

Chicago Bears HC Ben Johnson praised his veterans

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Johnson acknowledged the locker room was hurting after the loss to the Rams. The first-year coach said it was tough knowing much of the locker room would inevitably change in the offseason.

He praised the veterans in the locker room for helping the bears have a special season.

“The veteran leadership has been outstanding all year long,” Johnson said. “Those guys are key part of what we’ve done, all those guys… I mean, they’ve all played significant roles in us getting here to this point.”

The Bears have laid the foundation in Year 1 of the Johnson era. In Year 2, the league knows what the Bears can be.

Chicago will have increased expectations and a target on their back. It’ll be a new challenge for Williams and Johnson.

But those explanations mean Year 1 was a success.

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