The Chicago Bears understood the challenge in front of them: slowing down the NFL’s most productive offense. Facing the Los Angeles Rams — led by offensive mastermind Sean McVay, an MVP-caliber quarterback in Matthew Stafford, standout receiver Puka Nacua, and a balanced rushing attack spearheaded by Kyren Williams — the Bears’ defense was expected to be under siege. Instead, it rose to the occasion.

Despite falling 20–17 in an overtime defeat at Soldier Field, Chicago’s defense delivered one of its most impressive performances of the season. Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s group kept Stafford from throwing a single touchdown pass, limited Nacua to 56 receiving yards, and held the Rams’ ground game to 111 yards on 31 carries — an average of just 3.6 yards per rush — though two touchdowns did come on the ground. Overall, Los Angeles managed only 340 total yards.

Those numbers stood in stark contrast to the Rams’ regular-season dominance. McVay’s offense entered the game averaging 30.5 points and more than 400 yards per contest, but frigid conditions at Soldier Field and a disciplined Bears defense kept the unit largely in check.

Head coach Ben Johnson made it clear after the game that while the loss stung, the defensive effort deserved praise — and perhaps made the outcome even more frustrating.

“That’s the hard part,” Johnson said following the game. “Our defense gave everything they had. They were outstanding. We were playing the top offense in the league in both yards and scoring, and Dennis and the defensive staff put together an excellent game plan. They have playmakers everywhere — outside and in the run game — and yet our guys executed the plan extremely well. They played fast, they played physical, and they kept us in that game from start to finish.”

Chicago’s defense consistently put the Rams behind schedule, forcing eight punts on the night. Four of those drives ended in quick three-and-outs, including Los Angeles’ first possession in overtime.

Unfortunately for the Bears, the offense was unable to capitalize. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams threw his third interception of the game while attempting to connect with DJ Moore on a crossing route. Afterward, Williams explained that the turnover resulted from a breakdown in communication. The Rams seized the opportunity, marching 54 yards on 10 plays before kicking the walk-off field goal.

While Allen’s unit didn’t record a takeaway — despite several near misses — Los Angeles’ defense forced three turnovers, a disparity that ultimately decided the game.

With Chicago’s season now officially complete, roster changes and adjustments are expected in the coming months. Still, the way the defense performed against an elite opponent offers a promising glimpse of what this unit could become when fully healthy. That showing should give Bears fans reason for optimism — and raise expectations heading into Ben Johnson’s second year as head coach.