Bears HC Ben Johnson Calls Caleb Williams “Clutch” Despite Heartbreaking Playoff Loss to Rams

Ben Johnson praised Caleb Williams for making a highlight-reel moment right before the end of the regulation time.

Bears HC Ben Johnson Calls Caleb Williams “Clutch” Despite Heartbreaking Playoff Loss to Rams

Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson inside the circle (Image via IMAGO)

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Caleb Williams may not be Patrick Mahomes, but during Sunday’s NFC Divisional Round game against the Los Angeles Rams, there were moments when he mimicked the two-time NFL MVP. Even though the Chicago Bears couldn’t overcome the Rams, Williams still made a strong impression on the game.

Williams’ big moment came just minutes before the final quarter wrapped up. To avoid the Rams’ blitz, Williams dropped back nearly ten yards before launching a massive Hail Mary pass that landed straight into tight end Cole Kmet‘s arms for a 14-yard touchdown.

It helped the Bears tie the game and force the game into overtime. Chicago head coach Ben Johnson gave the best possible compliment to his young second-year signal-caller.

There’s something that you just can’t coach… He’s clutch. He does so many good things.

Ben Johnson declared

The pass also had Mahomes giggling from ear to ear. At least, that’s what the emojis seemed to suggest.

It’s unfortunate that Mahomes has to watch the playoffs from the comfort of his home in Kansas City. He’s busy nursing his surgically repaired ACL. Who knows, maybe one day fans will get to enjoy a Super Bowl showdown between Mahomes and Williams.

Despite taking extra time to decide the outcome, the Bears came up short, losing 20-17 and ending their hopes of reaching the NFC title game for the first time since 2006.

According to Opta Stats, only 4 teams have had a game-tying TD (including XP) in the last 30 seconds of the fourth quarter. Every single one of them lost in overtime. The Seahawks in the 1987 wildcard round, the Chargers in the 2004 wildcard round, the Packers in the 2015 season, and the 2025 Bears.

Caleb Williams explains the miscommunication with DJ Moore on the Bears’ final play

Despite throwing that jaw-dropping pass, Williams didn’t have a great game. In fact, he made several erratic throws, even in overtime. To put it into context, Williams targeted wide receiver DJ Moore, but the ball landed in Rams safety Kam Curl’s clutches.

Bears HC Ben Johnson Calls Caleb Williams "Clutch" Despite Heartbreaking Playoff Loss to Rams
#2 DJ Moore (Image via IMAGO)

Reporters asked Williams to walk through the interception and whether it was a miscommunication between him and Moore.

I’ve got to go back and watch it, obviously haven’t seen it. … Had DJ [Moore] going over the top over all of it. Just a miscommunication between him and I. Tried to flatten him off under the safety, and he kept it vertical, from what I saw in the moment.

Caleb Williams revealed during post-game interview

The miscommunication resulted in Williams under-throwing Moore. Curl leaped sideways and plucked the loose ball out of the air.

That was one of the three turnovers Williams conceded to the Rams’ defense. The other two were caught by Cobie Durant. Williams finished the final game of the 2025 season with 23 completions from 42 attempts for 257 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. He further added 40 yards on 5 carries.

Williams improved a lot in his second year. He threw for 3942 yards, 30 total touchdowns, and just 7 interceptions in 17 games.

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