Rams defeat Bears in OT, advance to NFC title game

CHICAGO — The Los Angeles Rams‘ offense — a unit that led the league in offensive DVOA throughout the common season — struggled for a lot of their 20-17 divisional spherical win in opposition to the Chicago Bears. By three quarters, the Rams had 174 yards, their fewest of the season, based on ESPN Analysis.

However the Rams’ protection stepped up when it wanted to most, with security Kam Curl intercepting a Caleb Williams move in extra time to present Los Angeles the ball again at its 22-yard line.

It was the Rams’ third takeaway of the sport, with two different interceptions by cornerback Cobie Durant. The Rams’ three interceptions are their most in a playoff recreation since a franchise-record six within the 2001 divisional spherical in opposition to the Packers, based on ESPN Analysis. The Rams protection additionally held the Bears to three of 6 on fourth downs, together with a cease close to the purpose line with 3:06 left within the fourth quarter.

Whereas not a reasonably recreation for the Rams, it was sufficient to ship them to the NFC Championship Sport for the primary time since they gained Tremendous Bowl LVI throughout the 2021 season.

Now prepare for Rams vs. Seahawks Half III.

They’ll play the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, a workforce they cut up the season sequence with: a 21-19 victory at SoFi Stadium in Week 11 and a 38-37 extra time loss in Week 16.

What to make of the QB efficiency: Stafford and the Rams offense went chilly for a lot of the primary three quarters, however put collectively a drive when it mattered most to present the Rams the lead halfway by way of the fourth quarter. Stafford was sacked 4 occasions by the Bears, his most sacks taken because the Philadelphia Eagles had 5 within the 2024 divisional spherical recreation that ended Los Angeles’ season, based on ESPN Analysis. This was his first recreation this season with no passing landing.

Stat to know: The Rams are the primary workforce within the final 25 postseasons to finish a landing drive of a minimum of 14 performs on their opening possession, based on ESPN Analysis. The Rams’ offense struggled to maneuver the ball till the beginning of the fourth quarter, once they put collectively one other 14-play landing drive. They’re the primary workforce with a number of landing drives of 14 performs or longer in a single playoff recreation because the Eagles within the 2022 NFC Championship in opposition to the 49ers.

Greatest gap within the recreation plan: Davante Adams didn’t have a catch within the first three quarters. Based on ESPN Analysis, this was simply the second time in his profession he was held with no catch by way of three quarters in his 9 NFL season. He completed the sport with 2 catches for twenty-four yards. — Sarah Barshop

Subsequent recreation: at Seahawks

They had been the Cardiac Bears till the very finish.

After going through a seven-point deficit late within the recreation, Caleb Williams squeezed yet another drop of fourth-quarter magic when he discovered Cole Kmet within the nook of the north finish zone at Soldier Discipline for a 14-yard landing to pressure the additional interval.

It was solely the second extra time recreation the Bears have performed in throughout the playoffs. The Bears failed to attain after their sole possession of extra time ended with Williams throwing an interception, his third of the sport.

The Rams cemented their journey to the NFC Championship Sport on their subsequent possession, which ended with a 42-yard area purpose.

Ben Johnson’s first 12 months with the Bears was a powerful success regardless of Chicago falling in need of reaching the title recreation because the NFC’s No. 2 seed. The Bears completed with 11 wins within the common season and their first playoff win in 15 years once they beat the Packers within the wild-card spherical.

What to make of QB efficiency: All season lengthy, Williams has been capable of placed on his cape within the fourth quarter and lead the Bears to wins. However Sunday, his superpowers ran out. Williams was capable of throw a miraculous TD move with 18 seconds left, and the PAT made it 17-17 and compelled extra time. However Williams’ second half struggles did not finish within the fourth. He was simply 10-of-23 (43%) passing within the second half/OT with two interceptions. He completed 23 of 42 for 257 yards, two TDs and three interceptions. It was Williams’ second straight recreation with a number of interceptions after having zero video games with a number of picks within the common season. After posting a career-high 13 off-target passes final week in opposition to the Packers, Williams had 9 extra such throws within the loss to the Rams, together with his interception in extra time.

Stat to know: Colston Loveland‘s 18-yard reception on the Bears’ remaining drive of the fourth quarter broke Sam LaPorta‘s file for probably the most receiving yards by a rookie tight finish in a single postseason because the 1970 AFL/NFL merger. Loveland had 193 receiving yards this postseason (LaPorta had 176 in 2023).

Most stunning efficiency: Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen dialed up strain with subtle stunts and blitzes that had QB Matthew Stafford trying uncharacteristically inaccurate (11 off course passes). With C.J. Gardner-Johnson again from a concussion, Allen was capable of make the most of Chicago’s full complement of defensive backs to strain Stafford often, significantly out of dime packages, which led to 3 sacks. As a complete, the Bears blitzed Stafford on 37% of his dropbacks. He additionally completed 0-of-9 on play-action.

— Courtney Cronin

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