CHICAGO, January 16, 2026 — A boisterous outburst in the Chicago Bears locker room—a colorful expression of disdain for their long-time rivals—underscores a stunning shift in the NFL landscape: the Bears have beaten the Green Bay Packers, marking their first playoff victory in 15 years.
A New Era Dawns in Chicago
Table of Contents
The Bears’ improbable playoff run is fueled by a rookie head coach, a dynamic quarterback, and a newfound resilience.
- After years of futility, the Bears have clinched an NFC North title and advanced in the playoffs.
- Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has been instrumental in orchestrating several dramatic come-from-behind victories.
- Head coach Ben Johnson has instilled a culture of belief and composure in a team long accustomed to disappointment.
- The Bears’ success is rewriting the narrative in Chicago, evoking memories of the franchise’s storied past.
Head coach Ben Johnson’s raw emotion after the win—a passionate declaration directed at the Packers—reflected the pent-up frustration of a franchise starved for success. “F— the Packers, man,” Johnson exclaimed, according to players present. “F— them!” The team responded with a roar of laughter and celebration.
From “Double Doink” to “Cardiac Bears”
For over a decade, the Bears have largely resided in the bottom of their division, enduring seven last-place finishes since 2011 compared to just three playoff appearances. A particularly painful playoff exit—immortalized as the “double doink” due to a missed field goal—became a symbol of the team’s misfortune. This year, however, the script has flipped.
The Bears have become masters of the comeback, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat on seven occasions—including last week’s triumph over Green Bay—with a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime. This resilience has earned them a new nickname: the “Cardiac Bears,” prompting even local cardiac specialists to weigh in on the potential health effects of watching their games.
Facing a Formidable Test
On Sunday, the Bears face their most significant challenge yet: a divisional-round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams, led by an elite head coach (Sean McVay) and an MVP candidate at quarterback (Matthew Stafford), boast a consistently competitive roster and a formidable defense. The Bears, by contrast, are relative newcomers to this level of postseason contention.
A Rookie Revolution
This Bears resurgence is largely attributed to a fresh influx of talent and leadership. Johnson, a first-year head coach previously the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, is widely regarded as a coaching prodigy. He’s paired with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, and two promising rookie pass-catchers, Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III.
Throughout the season, this young core has consistently defied the odds. According to ESPN Analytics, in each of their seven come-from-behind victories, the Bears’ win probability dipped below 25% at some point in the fourth quarter before they rallied to win. “There’s a belief with this team that shows up each and every week,” Johnson said this week. “It’s kind of who we are here at this point.”
Caleb Williams: The Catalyst
Williams, drafted No. 1 overall in 2024 out of USC, has been the driving force behind the Bears’ late-game heroics. Last season, under a different coaching staff, Williams struggled and was sacked 68 times—the third-most in a single NFL season.
Under Johnson’s guidance, Williams has blossomed. He’s demonstrated increased poise and purpose, particularly when the game is on the line. During the regular season, Williams amassed 1,096 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and 129 rushing yards in the fourth quarter. His quarterback rating was also significantly higher when his team was trailing (97.8) compared to when they were leading (79.8).
A Stunning Playoff Debut
The Bears’ 11-6 regular-season record earned them an NFC North title and a home playoff game against the Packers. Despite falling behind 21-3 at halftime and 21-6 entering the fourth quarter, Chicago mounted a remarkable comeback, outscoring Green Bay 25-6 in the final frame. Williams threw for 184 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, delivering several clutch plays.
With less than six minutes remaining and trailing by 11 points, the Bears faced a fourth-and-8 situation. A failed conversion would likely have ended their season. Instead, Williams rolled to his left, leaped, and delivered a 27-yard pass—a low-percentage throw that somehow connected. Fans immediately noted the similarity between Williams’ pose and Michael Jordan’s iconic “Jumpman” logo, a pose immortalized in a statue at the Chicago Bulls’ United Center.
The question now is whether the Bears can continue this improbable run, defeat the Rams, and sustain their success beyond this season. Chicago hasn’t secured consecutive playoff berths since 2005 and 2006. It remains to be seen if they can maintain this momentum, but one thing is clear: it would be unwise to count them out until the final quarter is played.
