Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears had almost everything in their control. The No. 2 seed in the NFC playoffs and, therefore, home-field advantage in most scenarios, and that remains the case even as they flirt with falling into the third slot for the postseason.
However, there is hardly a point of view that would frame their showing against the Detroit Lions in the regular-season finale as anything other than a potential harbinger of what is to come.
If that is indeed the case, the Bears’ postseason stay could be short-lived.
Caleb Williams, Bears Hit Postseason With Hope & Questions
Bears Squander Opportunity vs Lions
The Bears were playing host to the Lions, whose only endgame in the matchup was to close their season with a win and, potentially, hurt the Bears in the process.
Chicago held Detroit to field goals early on.
That was needed, as the Bears’ offense failed to generate much of anything for a good portion of the night. At halftime, the Bears trailed 13-0, following a 10-point second quarter from the Lions.
The Bears had 69 total net yards of offense when the third frame began, and proceeded to go three-and-out.
This was a Lions team that had allowed over 30 points per game in their last six outings.
The Bears did not even get on the board until early in the fourth quarter, though they passed on one long-distance opportunity and turned the ball over on downs on one drive and saw Williams throw an interception on another.
Williams, who set the Bears’ single-season passing yards record with a touchdown pass to Jahdae Walker in the final frame, was not ready to let up, though.
The Bears forced a Lions punt, and Williams led them on a 12-play, 88-yard scoring drive.
Detroit came back with a march that quickly got them into field goal range. After a penalty pushed the Lions back, Kevin Byard intercepted Jared Goff. The Bears would stall rather quickly and punt the ball back after the two-minute warning. Unfortunately for Chicago, the Lions again drove right down the field for a game-winning field goal.
They will still be the No. 2 seed thanks to the Philadelphia Eagles losing to the Washington Commanders. But they will need to address their myriad issues, or else they will face an early playoff exit.
Bears to Host Packers in NFC Wild Card Round
The Bears’ landing the No. 2 seed secures their tilt against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card.
Chicago and Green Bay split their two regular-season matchups.
The Packers won the first meeting, intercepting Williams on a would-be game-tying touchdown pass attempt in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. Williams and the Bears won the second meeting in overtime in a game that saw Packers QB Jordan Love exit early.
The Packers will be looking for redemption, just as the Lions wanted to close their season strong. So, Williams and the Bears must be sharper, earlier.