Bears Defense Struggles in High-Scoring Loss to 49ers

On December 28, 2025, the Chicago Bears faced off against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium in a high-stakes NFC battle. The Bears aimed for a crucial victory but fell short, losing 42-38, which eliminated them from contention for the NFC’s top seed.

Bears Defense Struggles Against 49ers

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams had an impressive outing, throwing for a season-high 330 yards and leading five scoring drives. His performance was critical, yet it wasn’t enough to secure a win. Defensive players faced scrutiny following the game, with safety Jaquan Brisker emphasizing, “We let the offense down.”

Game Highlights

• Total yards of offense: 936
• Combined touchdowns: 11 (tying for the most in a game this season)
• First downs by San Francisco: 32
• 49ers’ red zone efficiency: 5-for-5

Quarterback Brock Purdy was exceptional for San Francisco, contributing five touchdowns and averaging 7.3 yards per play. He completed 269 of his 303 passing yards under minimal pressure, showcasing his ability to exploit defensive weaknesses.

Decisive Moments

The game was a nail-biter, as the Bears briefly took a 38-35 lead with just over five minutes left in the fourth quarter. However, Purdy responded with a 38-yard touchdown pass to Jauan Jennings, pushing the Niners ahead.

With 2:15 on the clock, the Bears began a drive on their own 35-yard line, retaining all three timeouts. This season, the Bears displayed remarkable resilience, winning six games after trailing in the final two minutes—more than any other team since the 1970 merger.

As the clock ticked down, they found themselves at the Niners’ 2-yard line. Unfortunately, a breakdown in communication led to a failed play. Coach Ben Johnson admitted, “It’s on me. I didn’t get him the call fast enough.” Williams echoed his coach’s sentiments, expressing regret over not delivering a better pass.

Future Outlook for the Bears

Despite the disappointment, Williams remains optimistic about the Bears’ potential in future matchups, particularly against the 49ers in the postseason. He stated, “I think we’ve proven who we are. We’ll fight, and I think we’re a team to be reckoned with.”

Williams’ standout performance included a completion rate of 25-of-42, two touchdowns, and a passer rating of 100.3. With 270 passing yards needed in the upcoming regular-season finale against the Detroit Lions, he aims to become the Bears’ first 4,000-yard passer.