A thrilling encounter at Levi’s Stadium ended in disappointment for the Chicago Bears, as they fell to the San Francisco 49ers 42-38 on March 3, 2025. Despite a standout performance from quarterback Caleb Williams, who threw for a season-high 330 yards, the Bears’ defense could not deliver the necessary support, resulting in their first loss of the season.
The game showcased a remarkable offensive display, with both teams combining for a staggering 936 total yards and 11 touchdowns, tying for the highest total in any game this season. Williams led five scoring drives and displayed notable accuracy, completing 25 of 42 passes while achieving a passer rating of 100.3. However, the Bears’ defense struggled throughout, allowing the 49ers to convert on all five of their red-zone opportunities.
In the closing minutes, the Bears took a 38-35 lead, but their defense was unable to contain Brock Purdy, who connected with wide receiver Jauan Jennings for a decisive 38-yard touchdown, putting San Francisco ahead by four points.
Defensive Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Safety Jaquan Brisker expressed frustration after the game, 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 echoed throughout the locker room, as players reflected on missed opportunities that cost them a crucial victory.
The Bears had a chance to respond, starting their final drive at their own 35-yard line with 2:15 left on the clock. With all three timeouts available, the situation felt familiar, given their impressive record of six wins this season after trailing in the final two minutes. Yet, the execution faltered in the game’s final moments.
With only four seconds remaining, the Bears faced a critical fourth down at the 49ers’ two-yard line. Williams attempted to connect with wide receiver Jahdae Walker but was pressured by the San Francisco defense, leading to a failed pass attempt. Williams lamented, “I can’t dirt the ball in that situation; I should have thrown a better pass.”
Head coach Ben Johnson took responsibility for the miscommunication on the final play, admitting, “It’s on me. I didn’t get him the call fast enough.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointment, the game provided a glimpse of the Bears’ potential, particularly with Williams at the helm. He demonstrated his capability to perform under pressure, especially when throwing deep, completing all four of his passes thrown at least 20 yards. His two touchdown passes contributed to an impressive season total of ten touchdowns on deep throws.
Williams remains optimistic about the team’s future, stating, “I think we’ve proven who we are. We’ll fight, and I think we’re a team to be reckoned with. I’m excited for this next game.” The Bears will have a chance to bounce back as they prepare for their regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions, where Williams needs just 270 passing yards to become the franchise’s first quarterback to exceed 4,000 yards in a season.
With the loss, the Bears are no longer in contention for the NFC’s No. 1 seed, but they remain poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming playoffs.
