The Chicago Bears entered Levi’s Stadium on Sunday night with a chance to cement their status as the NFC’s team to beat. What followed was a 42-38 heavyweight bout against the San Francisco 49ers that felt more like a January playoff game than a December finale.
While the “Cardiac Bears” nearly pulled off their seventh final-minute comeback of the season, they ultimately left Santa Clara with an 11-5 record and a lot of “what ifs.”
A Tale of Two Halves
The game couldn’t have started any better for Chicago.
On the very first play from scrimmage, Jaylon Johnson jumped a slant route, deflecting a Brock Purdy pass into the waiting hands of T.J. Edwards, who returned it 34 yards for a pick-six.
However, the 49ers’ offense—led by a nearly flawless Brock Purdy—didn’t blink.
San Francisco controlled the clock and the trenches in the first half, racking up 22 first downs to Chicago’s 8.
Purdy’s ability to extend plays with his legs resulted in two rushing touchdowns, helping the Niners carry a 28-21 lead into the locker room.
Caleb Williams vs. Brock Purdy: The Shootout
If there was any doubt that Caleb Williams has arrived, this game silenced it.
Williams was spectacular, finishing with a season-high 330 passing yards and two touchdowns. He moved the offense with a veteran’s poise, finding rookie sensations Luther Burden III (8 catches, 138 yards, 1 TD) and Colston Loveland for big gains whenever the Bears needed a spark.
The second half was a dizzying exchange of blows:
• D’Andre Swift found the end zone twice on the ground to keep pace.
• Cairo Santos drilled a 29-yard field goal with 5:22 left to give the Bears a 38-35 lead.
• Brock Purdy answered with a 38-yard strike to Jauan Jennings with just 2:15 remaining to put the Niners back on top.
The Final Stand
With the game on the line, Williams did what he’s done all year: he marched the Bears down the field.
Chicago reached the San Francisco 2-yard line with four seconds left. On the final play, Williams escaped a heavy rush from Bryce Huff and fired a pass toward Jahdae Walker in the end zone. The ball short-hopped the receiver, and the comeback bid fell two yards short.
Despite the loss, the Bears have already clinched the NFC North. While the dream of the #1 seed has faded, Chicago proved they can go toe-to-toe with the elite in a hostile environment.
Next Up: The Bears return to Soldier Field to wrap up the regular season against the Detroit Lions, where a win could secure the #2 seed in the NFC.
