Context:

Ahead of the NFC Divisional Round against the Rams, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson emphasized the importance of urgency and playing a complete game. The Bears, known for their resilience and late-game comebacks, have had seven fourth-quarter wins this season, largely thanks to quarterback Caleb Williams. However, Johnson cautioned that falling behind against a disciplined Rams team could force predictable play-calling and limit the team's offensive strategy. He expressed confidence in his squad but underscored the need for precision throughout the entire game. The outcome will reveal whether his message resonated with the players.

Dive Deeper:

• Ben Johnson highlighted that the Bears cannot afford to start slow against the Rams, as they have done in previous games this season, which could jeopardize their chances of winning.

• Chicago's 2025 season has been marked by remarkable resilience, with the team staging comebacks in seven fourth-quarter games, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.

• Caleb Williams, the Bears' quarterback, has been pivotal in these comebacks, earning praise from Johnson for his clutch performances in critical moments.

• The Rams, being an experienced playoff team, present a unique challenge, especially as they tend to maintain leads effectively, making it difficult for opponents to catch up.

• Johnson's strategy emphasizes the importance of sustaining drives and maintaining a balanced offensive approach, which is crucial in the playoffs where every possession counts.

• He conveyed to his team that they should not rely solely on late-game heroics and must execute their game plan effectively from the outset.