In a dramatic finish to the playoff match, Caleb Williams delivered a stunning touchdown pass that captivated fans after the Chicago Bears fell to the Los Angeles Rams 20-17. Williams” last throw in regulation was a remarkable backpedaling completion on fourth down, landing in the hands of Cole Kmet in the end zone.
The throw marked a pivotal moment for Chicago”s season, which had already been surprising. Despite Williams” effort to lead the Bears to victory, he ultimately threw his third interception in overtime, allowing Matthew Stafford to guide the Rams to a winning field goal.
“It”s tough. In these moments, you feel that you let your team down,” Williams reflected after the game. “You feel this or that. It”s a good lesson learned for us, first time being in this situation for me and for us as a team. I”m excited for what”s to come. But obviously going to go back and watch this and figure out how I can be better, and that”s the exciting part.”
The 24-year-old quarterback had already led the Bears to an NFL-record seven victories this season when trailing in the final two minutes of regulation. Earlier, he threw a key 25-yard touchdown pass to DJ Moore, helping secure a victory against Green Bay.
This time, trailing 17-10 with just 1:50 remaining, Williams showcased his poise. Facing a critical fourth-and-4 at the Rams” 14-yard line, he took the shotgun snap and assessed his options. With defenders bearing down on him, he backpedaled to the 40-yard line, evading pressure from Jared Verse, Josaiah Stewart, and Braden Fiske.
Turning to find Kmet in the end zone, he launched a pass just as he was hit, demonstrating remarkable composure. “I ended up getting a little bit of pressure, so I tried to break contain and just break angles and slow those guys down,” Williams explained. “I just gained a little bit more depth, and I saw Cole one-on-one over there.”
Kmet managed to outmaneuver Rams cornerback Cobie Turner to catch the pass, electrifying the crowd of 60,253 at Soldier Field on a cold night. “It felt like a pretty easy pitch-and-catch and kind of felt like it was in slow motion,” Kmet said. “I can”t believe Caleb.”
The Bears” head coach, Ben Johnson, praised the throw as “ridiculous,” emphasizing Williams” unique talent. “There are some things that you just can”t coach. … He”s got a knack, he”s clutch,” Johnson noted.
According to Next Gen Stats, Williams” pass traveled 51.2 yards in the air, marking the longest completed pass by air distance in the red zone since at least 2016. He made the throw from 26.5 yards behind the line of scrimmage, setting a record for the furthest completion depth since 2016. The completion probability was a mere 17.8%.
“It was the most special throw that I”ve ever seen. I”ve seen him do that so many times this year,” remarked Bears safety Kevin Byard, highlighting the impressive play that will linger in the memories of fans and players alike following the Bears” playoff exit.
