SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The Chicago Bears won the NFC North last night for the first time since 2018. The Backup Bowl between Tyler Huntley and Malik Willis at Lambeau Field last night ended with a Ravens win, clinching the division before Sunday's action. Remarkable achievement for Ben Johnson and this Bears team in Year 1 of the program.
Two 11-4 teams took the field at the site of this year's Super Bowl tonight -- the Bears and the 49ers. Both teams have navigated immense injuries to make it to the postseason. This game was all about seeding.
In the end, the Bears played an unbelievable game on offense -- and a horrific game on defense -- to fall just short of yet another comeback thrilling win in Santa Clara.
I shared my in-game reactions, thoughts and observations from the game below. Follow me on X @DhruvKoul to continue the conversation.
Thoughts and Observations
1. (PREGAME) -- With the Bears clinching the division by way of the Packers' loss last night, Chicago guaranteed themselves at least the #3 seed. At least one win or an Eagles loss would give them the #2 seed (and a likely date with Green Bay in the Wild Card round). And two wins (coupled with one Seattle loss) would give them the bye and home-field advantage throughout.
With much of the team battling the flu earlier this week and carrying it into the game, the likeliest scenario is the Bears clinch the #2 seed. For tonight's game... just get out healthy.
2. Kyle Shanahan is one of the greatest offensive minds of all time -- that is known. What's amazing is how each week he's able to cook up so much conflict for defenders -- especially linebackers. In the first half, he had Tremaine Edmunds and Nahshon Wright completely lost all over the field. The Niners' rushing offense came to life, and the middle of the field was open all the time.
The worst part was the DL and pass rush were unable to do much of anything to pressure Brock Purdy. It'll be their downfall this season, no doubt. The good news is the offense is solid at this point so the focus next year in the draft can be on fixing the front-seven.
3. After a slow start on the first two offensive series, Caleb Williams woke up with two beautiful bombs for touchdowns -- one to Luther Burden and one to Colston Loveland (on a free play). His deep ball has really improved in the last few weeks and if that continues, that's a major advantage for the playoffs.
4. 28-21 49ers at halftime is crazy. The Bears opened the game with a pick-six on Purdy, as T.J. Edwards caught a tipped ball on the first play to return it. And after that, the 49ers put up 330 yards of offense and controlled the ball for over 20 minutes in the first half to take the lead. Pretty amazing.
I'm not sure what adjustments Dennis Allen can make when the linebackers (especially Tremaine Edmunds) are LOST, as is some of the secondary (i.e. Nahshon Wright against Ricky Pearsall). But they gotta figure out the middle of the field. You can bet all the playoff teams are watching this.
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5. Bears with a beautiful drive to start the second half. Caleb Williams and Jahdae Walker connected on a clutch 3rd and 14 to keep the drive going and then Luther Burden got them inside the 5-yard line on the next play. A D'Andre Swift TD finished the drive three plays later. A very nice response to answer the 49ers and tie the game.
For me - this game is about watching an offense that can keep up. It's fun to watch -- win or lose.
6. As I watch Shanahan and Purdy continue to bust the Bears' defense to shreds, I just have to say this -- to those who've been yelling at Dennis Allen on X:
Allen is tremendous at his job. Unfortunately, Shanahan is one of the greatest of all time. It happens.
7. Despite the broader pass rush issues, Austin Booker really has shown so much important growth this year. He's produced a few good pass rushes in key spots -- most notably a 3rd and 7 near midfield after the Bears tied it at 35. He hit Purdy as the throw was let go and it fell incomplete.
A PUNT!
Booker's been really good.
8. Bears take the lead 38-35 after a really nice drive by Caleb Williams. Kinda crazy after all that's transpired.
9. Shanahan and Purdy strike again. An insane levels concept had the Bears bite on the underneath route entirely, and it freed Jauan Jennings on the dig and he took it to the house. 49ers up 42-38 with two minutes left.
Aided on that drive was a terrible penalty by Gervon Dexter that pushed the 49ers forward after a failed play. He's had quite a few bad penalties this year in key moments. Not an extension candidate, IMO. Unfortunate, because he's talented. But he just hasn't played well enough.
Caleb... stage is yours (again!). Can you do it (again)?
10. A final drive of the ages. Insane stuff from Caleb and the rookies -- Burden and Loveland. Cinema stuff. Unfortunately, Caleb's heroic effort fell just short of Jahdae Walker in the end zone and the Bears fell to the Niners. 42-38. Just an all-time game.
The hook-and-ladder on the play before the final shot from the 4-yard line took a little too much time, but it was a nice idea. Really fun stuff from the QB. The Bears have a real one.
11. Bears close out the regular season next Sunday by hosting the Detroit Lions (Ben Johnson's old team, if you didn't know!). Get out healthy and prepare for Week 1. That's all that matters now.
Early prediction: Bears 27, Lions 24.
