In the playoffs, Chicago was eliminated in the divisional round by the Los Angeles Rams after what coach Ben Johnson called a battle from start to finish. Johnson praised his players for fighting throughout the season and acknowledged that the Rams made a few more plays at key moments, including in overtime, which ultimately decided the game. “Our guys fought the entire way,” Johnson said. “They ended up making a couple more plays than we did. It’s a disappointing result, but I’m proud of the group.”
The Bears’ postgame communications underscored their forward-looking mindset. On X, they posted the three-word note, “Back to work,” signaling a quick pivot toward the next season. Instagram followed with a gallery captioned “Just the beginning,” accompanied by season highlights and image reels that sparked fan optimism about what lies ahead.
Johnson has repeatedly emphasized the value of the group that carried Chicago through the season. After the loss, he described the team as a “special group” and expressed gratitude to everyone involved, from players to coaches and support staff. He added that the experiences from a memorable year could fuel the locker room as the Bears rebuild toward future attempts at a deep postseason run.
With the foundation in place and a determined mood behind them, Chicago heads into the offseason aiming to translate that energy into a continued championship trajectory. The combination of a strong division finish, a painful but instructive playoff exit, and a clear message to move forward sets the table for what the Bears hope will be a productive 2026 season.
