LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle didn’t know what to expect last Saturday night when he walked into the home locker room at Soldier Field for the halftime break.
The Bears trailed 21-3 against the rival Packers in their wild-card game, and they were getting beat on both sides of the football. It was a frustrating showing in the first 30 minutes, a challenge that would test all teams and break some of them – but not this one.
Doyle knew the Bears would be just fine when he heard the voice of 12-year veteran quarterback Case Keenum.
“Well, we've been here before,” Keenum said. “So, here we go. This is what we do.”
Sure enough, the Bears did it again. They rallied back by scoring 25 points in the fourth quarter to beat the Packers, 31-27, in another comeback thriller.
The Bears' next challenge awaits Sunday, when they'll host the Rams in the divisional round at Soldier Field. Head coach Ben Johnson wants his Bears focused on playing a more complete game, understanding that the Rams’ talent leaves little to no margin for error.
First, the Bears had to turn the page from their thrilling win over their longtime rivals. Johnson had no doubt the Bears’ leaders would handle that task well.
“I keep saying it every week, but our veteran leadership, I don’t know if I've been around it quite this level before,” Johnson said.
In 2024, the Bears' leadership lacked as the team endured a 10-game losing streak and coaching changes. Former head coach Matt Eberflus lost his job late that November in large part because he lost the locker room. Players began tuning out his message.
The Bears had eight team captains in 2024. They have just four this season: quarterback Caleb Williams, safety Kevin Byard, guard Joe Thuney and defensive tackle Grady Jarrett. Williams and Byard were also captains in 2024, while Thuney and Jarrett were newcomers to the team in 2025.
Following Johnson's lead in his first season in Chicago, the Bears now have a battle-tested culture. Johnson challenged his team in OTAs in May and throughout training camp, hoping it would pay dividends this season. It has.
The Bears’ rally over the Packers last Saturday marked their seventh comeback win this season. In the center of it all has been Williams, whose knack for coming up big in the clutch has given his entire team confidence.
“When he has the ball in his hands, we realize a lot of special things can happen,” Thuney said.
“I think it is infectious, and he’s been great for us.”
The Bears had good fortune on their side in going from worst to first in the NFC North, but their ability to win against steep odds also wasn't an accident. Johnson noted the team’s first comeback victory – a 25-24 win over the Raiders on Sept. 28 in Las Vegas – sparked confidence in his players.
For a group that kept finding a way to lose last season, the Bears have suddenly found ways to win. They developed a new conviction and put their 2024 struggles behind them. That mindset has helped carried them into the divisional round.
No matter how bright the spotlight or how great the deficit, the Bears will trust in each other and believe they can win.
“There's a belief with this team that shows up each and every week,” Johnson said. “It's kind of who we are here at this point.”
Emma's prediction (12-6): Rams 30, Bears 28
The Bears face a great challenge against Matthew Stafford and this Rams offense. It will be a fast-paced, exciting football game but one that brings Chicago's breakthrough season to an end.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.