A thrilling Sunday Night Football matchup saw the Chicago Bears narrowly lose to the San Francisco 49ers, with a final score of 42-38 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Despite a standout performance from quarterback Caleb Williams, who threw for a season-high 330 yards and led five scoring drives, the Bears could not secure the victory. The loss eliminated their chances for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, marking a significant setback in their playoff aspirations.
The game was characterized by an explosive offensive display from both teams, culminating in a staggering total of 936 yards and 11 touchdowns, tying the record for the most in any game this season. Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ quarterback, mirrored Williams’ performance with five total touchdowns, further complicating the Bears’ defensive efforts.
Defensive struggles for Chicago were evident throughout the game, with safety Jaquan Brisker candidly stating, “We let the offense down. I feel like Caleb and them gave us enough points to win. The defense didn’t.” The Bears’ defense allowed the 49ers to convert all five of their red zone opportunities and record 32 first downs.
As the game progressed, the Bears managed to gain a 38-35 lead with just over five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. However, San Francisco responded decisively. Purdy connected with wide receiver Jauan Jennings for a crucial 38-yard touchdown, reclaiming the lead for the 49ers. With time winding down, the Bears initiated a drive from their own 35-yard line, possessing all three timeouts and the two-minute warning.
The final sequence of the game was a critical moment for Chicago. With only four seconds left on the clock, the Bears faced a fourth down at the 49ers’ 2-yard line. Williams attempted to connect with wide receiver Jahdae Walker, but the pass fell short after he was pressured by San Francisco’s defensive line. Williams expressed his frustration, stating, “I can’t dirt the ball in that situation,” emphasizing the missed opportunity.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson took responsibility for the failed final play, admitting he did not relay the call quickly enough to Williams. “We didn’t quite get aligned in the formation we wanted to. It’s on me,” he said. This moment underscored the need for better communication and execution in high-pressure situations.
Despite the disappointment, Williams remained optimistic about the Bears’ performance against a formidable opponent. “I think we’ve proven who we are,” he remarked. “We’re a team to be reckoned with.” His performance on Sunday was a highlight of the season, completing 25 of 42 passes with two touchdowns and a passer rating of 100.3. Williams excelled in deep throws, going four for four on passes of 20 yards or more, including both touchdowns.
This game also brought Williams closer to a personal achievement: becoming the first Bears quarterback to surpass 4,000 passing yards in a season. He needs just 270 yards in the upcoming regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions to reach that milestone.
As the Bears reflect on this narrow defeat and its implications for their playoff hopes, they must regroup quickly. The team has demonstrated resilience throughout the season, particularly in close games, and they will need to channel that energy as they prepare for their critical matchup against Detroit.
