Well the 2025 Chicago Bears finally ran out of luck. But damn they squeezed every ounce of luck they could get out of that rabbits foot, horseshoe, or four leaf clover they clearly had shoved up their ass.
Because I was 14 years old when the greatest team in the history of football, the 1985 Chicago Bears, went 15-1 on their way to winning the Super Bowl, it would be impossible to say this season was the most exciting football season of my life... but it is a close second.
One of the greatest things in sports is when you have low expectations and your team surprises you. It feels like every win is just gravy at that point. and the Bears surprised their fans seven times this season... well some would argue they surprised them 12 times this season because that is how many games they won. Others would argue they surprised the fans 17 times because that is the number of games the Bears were actually in this year. They only got blown out twice. On seven occasions they won the game in the last two minutes of the game and on three other occasions they had a chance to win it on the last play of the game.
Although they gave me repeated heart attacks along the way, I enjoyed every minute of it. And that includes Sunday's season ending loss.
Remember when I mentioned gravy before? Well that is exactly what Sunday was. Last week, the Bears orchestrated one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the NFL. They scored 25 points in the fourth quarter to beat their biggest rival the Green Bay Packers.
Even though they were on the road, the Los Angeles Rams were favored to beat the Bears. And they should have been. The Rams are just a flat out better team than the Bears. All week I was worried the Rams were going to drop 50 on the Bears and sen them home embarrassed. And then Stafford hurt his finger. And then the Chicago weather decided to remind someone that even global warming can't stop the wind on any given Sunday. The Bears, who feasted on breaks all year, caught a couple more.
The Bears started out with a long drive that got them to the rams 21 yard line. Although I hate field goals and I think aggressive teams are usually rewarded, I knew what Chicago weather can do. I know how precious points are in the playoffs. So I immediately started screaming at my TV for the Bears to just kick a field goal. I honestly knew form that moment, that decision was going to come back to haunt them. Because sure enough, Caleb Williams threw an interception to end the drive. The interception wasn't even the problem. It actually acted as a mini punt as the Rams defender chose to return an interception instead of knocking it down and taking a turnover on downs. The problem was that Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze dropped a touchdown on the previous play. Another problem was that on the interception, Caleb Williams was punched in the face... which is illegal... and their was no call that would have continued the drive. But honestly, as soon as you make the mistake to go for it, you deserve whatever happens next.
After that play, I had very little to complain about and plenty to be happy about. The Bears defense played incredibly well and held a very high powered offense to only 17 points during regulation time. Although the Bears could only manage those same 17 points, I could not complain. The Rams have a good defense and the weather was messing with both offenses. But damn it! Go for the field goal! It is one less score you will need to get in the fourth quarter!
The Bears made it a game for 58 minutes. And then they did their thing. With 110 seconds left, the Bears took the ball at the 50 yard line. They picked up a few first downs on their way to the Rams' 14 yard line. And then they stalled. With 18 seconds left, the Bears had to go for it on 4th and 4 from the rams' 14 yard line. Anything less than a first down would end the Bears season. They had just one play... again. And then it happened. The greatest offensive play in the history of the Chicago Bears.
Caleb Williams dropped back to pass and was immediately pressured by two unblocked Rams linemen. he had them right where he wanted them! Williams scrambled directly backwards and did it so fast that he created enough distance between him and the defenders to get off a pass. He only had to run back about 30 yards to do it. Oh and then he had to throw a fall away pass with all of his momentum going away from the end zone. So he threw it with all arm, no body while two defenders were bearing down on him. And he threw the most beautiful pass to the corner of the end zone I have ever seen. It was magical! It was impossible! And yet he did it... again
The Bears had two chance in overtime to win the game. But it seems they used up all of their magic dust on their last play of regulation. They ended up losing after Williams threw a pick on what seemed to be some terrible confusion or just the fact that the receiver was flat out exhausted. Whatever. I wasn't even mad.
Yes I am disappointed I don't get to see what Williams has for a follow up act. But luckily I have all next year to find out.
P.S. GO GET MAXX CROSBY!