Image Source: AP
Key Takeaways:
- The Chicago Bears are set to host the Los Angeles Rams in a divisional game on Sunday.
- The Bears’ head coach, Ben Johnson, has studied the Rams’ offense, led by head coach Sean McVay, and is preparing to stop quarterback Matthew Stafford.
- The Rams have a high-powered offense, with a strong line that has protected Stafford and allowed him to throw to record-setting receiver Puka Nacua.
- The Bears have struggled to run the ball in recent games, but quarterback Caleb Williams has been able to extend plays and scramble to pick up first downs.
- The winner of the game will play either Seattle or San Francisco next week for a spot in the Super Bowl.
Introduction to the Game
The Chicago Bears are gearing up to face off against the Los Angeles Rams in a highly anticipated divisional game on Sunday. As the Bears’ head coach, Ben Johnson, noted, "(McVay) does a phenomenal job… He has ever since he’s gotten to LA. All of his teams are really well prepared." Johnson has spent plenty of time studying McVay’s offense, particularly when he was an assistant in Detroit and the team traded Matthew Stafford to the Rams. Now, he’ll try to stop Stafford and the Rams’ high-powered offense. As Johnson said, "He has ever since he’s gotten to LA. All of his teams are really well prepared."
The Bears’ Turnaround
The Bears have had a remarkable turnaround under Johnson’s leadership, going from worst to first in the NFC North and posting a winning record for the first time since 2018. Quarterback Caleb Williams has been a key factor in the team’s success, taking big steps in his second year and throwing for a franchise-record 3,942 yards. As Williams noted, "It’s a little extra motivation in that sense… But it’s not for me to prove them wrong. I know who I am." The Bears’ ability to rally from behind has been impressive, with seven fourth-quarter comeback wins, including a 31-27 wild-card victory over the Green Bay Packers.
The Rams’ Offense
The Rams, on the other hand, have established themselves as championship contenders, with an 11-3 start to the season. As McVay said, "Ben does a good job of being able to create matchups… They mix up their personnel. They’ve got backs that can obviously run the football, but they’ve got skills in the pass game with tight ends and receivers that can do the same thing. It’s a great challenge." The Rams’ line has been the foundation of the NFL’s most productive offense, clearing the way for running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum while protecting Stafford long enough to get the ball to Nacua or Davante Adams.
The Bears’ Running Game
The Bears have struggled to run the ball in recent games, with only 93 yards rushing against the Packers and a season-low 65 in a loss to the Detroit Lions. As Johnson noted, "Certainly, late in the season, we wanted that to pick up, playoffs, weather games like this… You certainly want to be able to lean on your run game. So those are some elements we’re looking at. What can we do to help ignite that?" The Bears will need to find a way to get their running game going if they hope to keep up with the Rams’ high-powered offense.
The Defensive Challenge
The Rams’ defensive front knows it will be a challenge to corral Williams, who has a reputation for extending plays and scrambling to pick up first downs. As Kobie Turner said, "We know how he can extend plays and scramble to pick up first downs… It’s a big challenge to get him on the ground. That’s where so much of their explosives come from." The Rams’ pass rush, which tied for third among playoff teams with 47 sacks, will be key in trying to contain Williams and the Bears’ offense.
The Weather Factor
The weather could also play a factor in the game, with temperatures expected to dip into the single digits on Sunday. As the National Weather Service forecasted, the cold weather could affect the game, particularly for the Rams, who are not used to playing in such conditions. The Bears, on the other hand, are more accustomed to the cold weather, which could give them an advantage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the game between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams is shaping up to be an exciting and highly competitive matchup. With both teams having high-powered offenses and a flair for the dramatic, it’s anyone’s game. As McVay noted, "It’s a great challenge." The winner will move on to play either Seattle or San Francisco next week for a spot in the Super Bowl, making this game a must-win for both teams.
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/rams-bears-preview-20260118003/
