In a thrilling encounter at Levi’s Stadium on March 15, 2024, the Chicago Bears suffered a narrow 42-38 defeat against the San Francisco 49ers, effectively ending their pursuit of the NFC’s No. 1 seed. Quarterback Caleb Williams delivered a standout performance, throwing for a season-high 330 yards and orchestrating five scoring drives. Despite this offensive display, defensive lapses proved costly for the Bears as they failed to secure their 12th win of the season.
Following the game, Bears safety Jaquan Brisker expressed disappointment, stating, “We let the offense down, period. I feel like Caleb and them, they gave us enough points to do what we had to do to win. The defense didn’t.” This sentiment was echoed by others on the team, who acknowledged the defensive shortcomings that led to their loss.
High-Octane Offense and Defensive Struggles
The matchup featured a remarkable offensive showdown, with both teams combining for 936 total yards and matching the season record of 11 touchdowns in a single game. Brock Purdy, the 49ers quarterback, was instrumental, throwing for 303 yards and accounting for five total touchdowns. Purdy’s efficiency was evident, as he completed 21 of 28 passes without pressure, showcasing the Bears’ inability to disrupt his rhythm.
As the game progressed, the Bears briefly took a 38-35 lead with just over five minutes remaining. However, Purdy responded decisively, connecting with wide receiver Jauan Jennings for a pivotal 38-yard touchdown that shifted the momentum back to San Francisco. The Bears, known for their resilience this season, faced a familiar scenario, needing to mount a final drive to salvage the game.
With 2:15 left on the clock, the Bears began their drive at their own 35-yard line, armed with all three timeouts. Yet, the execution faltered in the critical moments. On fourth down from the Niners’ 2-yard line, Williams scrambled under pressure but could not connect with his target, resulting in a turnover on downs. Williams reflected on the missed opportunity, stating he “can’t dirt the ball” in that situation and should have delivered a better pass.
Looking Ahead: Promising Performance and Future Goals
Despite the loss, Williams demonstrated his potential throughout the game, completing 25 of 42 passes with a passer rating of 100.3. Notably, he excelled on deep throws, completing all four attempts of at least 20 yards. This performance positions him as a leading contender, with 10 passing touchdowns on long throws this season, the best in the NFL.
Williams is also on the verge of a personal milestone, needing just 270 passing yards in the upcoming regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions to become the Bears’ first quarterback to surpass 4,000 yards in a season. Despite the setback against the 49ers, he remains optimistic about the Bears’ potential for success in the postseason, stating, “I think we’ve proven who we are. We’ll fight, and I think we’re a team to be reckoned with.”
The Bears will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their final regular-season game, where they aim to end the season on a high note and carry momentum into the playoffs.
