Bears-Lions Reactions

What went wrong for the Bears in Week 18?

January 05, 2026 • Estimated Reading Time: 6 minutes

This one stung — and it should have.

The Bears didn’t lose Sunday because of bad luck or a wild bounce. They lost because they were flat for more than three quarters against a Detroit Lions team that came in with nothing at stake in the standings and everything to prove. Even with no playoff position to fight for, Dan Campbell had Detroit ready to go against his former offensive coordinator, and the Lions played like it.

“Think we came out a little flat, energy-wise,” quarterback Caleb Williams said after the game. “Not good enough. Not good enough to win.”

Late in the fourth quarter, the broadcast caught Ben Johnson during a stoppage, shaking his head and saying what felt like a quiet admission:

“Should’ve gone for it,” it appeared Johnson muttered into his headset.

In that moment, Johnson knew exactly what the situation was — his defense wasn’t stopping the Lions if they got the ball back. That awareness matters. So does the lesson that comes with it. Against playoff-caliber offenses in January, hesitation can be just as costly as a missed tackle.

The fourth-quarter rally was real. Caleb Williams made history. The Bears still secured the No. 2 seed (with some help from the Washington Commanders). But this wasn’t the kind of loss you brush aside. It was a reminder that urgency has to exist from the opening snap, and that trust — in your offense, in your quarterback, and in the moment — becomes non-negotiable when the margins disappear in the postseason.

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