Throwback Thursday: Bears defense stifles Rams on SNF at chilly Soldier Field

On this edition of Throwback Thursday, we’re taking a look back at one of the high points of the Matt Nagy career — Bears vs. Rams in 2018.

Every Thursday throughout the 2021 regular season, Bears Wire will take a look back at some of the most memorable moments in Chicago Bears history that occurred on or near that given day.

December 9th, 2018: Bears defeat the Los Angeles Rams 15-6 in frigid weather

Matt Nagy had a memorable first year as the team’s head coach, winning 12 games to capture the NFC North division title. Of those 12 wins, however, the victory over the eventual NFC champion Los Angeles Rams might be the most impressive one. And for that, a lot of credit should go to former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio for neutralizing one of the most explosive offenses in the league that year.

The Rams visited the Bears for a Sunday night showdown in chilly temperatures. It was a far cry from the warmth of Los Angeles for the Rams and it showed, though they did get off to a hot start in the game. Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky threw his first of three interceptions on the opening drive, setting up the Rams in the redzone. But they felt the stifling Bears defense immediately and had to settle for three points.

Chicago responded with their own field goal drive, facing a Rams defense that was nearly as formidable as Fangio’s unit. The two teams were locked at 3-3 until Rams quarterback Jared Goff threw an ill-advised pick to linebacker Roquan Smith, setting the Bears up in prime scoring position. They would net another field goal to take the 6-3 lead, only to see the Rams match it and tie things up again. It was a defensive slugfest with neither team getting anywhere on offense. Interceptions by both teams finished out the half.

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Bears needed to do something to break the stalemate and got a boost from both offense and defense. Los Angeles got the ball to start the second half and the Bears defense flexed its muscle. After dropping running back Todd Gurley for a five-yard loss, the Bears took down Goff in the endzone thanks to nose tackle Eddie Goldman to get a safety and the lead. Now it was the offense’s turn to wake up.

Trubisky connected with receiver Allen Robinson three times on the ensuing drive, while also getting contributions from running back Jordan Howard. They would score the game’s only touchdown when Nagy called “Santa’s Sleigh”, a trick pass play designed to go to lineman Bradley Sowell. He scored to make it a 15-6 ballgame, which would be enough to hold onto the win the rest of the way.

All in all, the Bears picked off Goff four times and limited the Rams to just 214 total yards on the day. Fangio put on a clinic on how to stop Sean McVay and his offense and the Bears got their ninth win of the year. Unfortunately, the Bears have played the Rams three more times since, all on the road, and have lost each one. Perhaps things change if the two teams meet again on the lakefront in the next year or so.

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