The Bears had been playing better in recent weeks with wins against San Diego, St. Louis and Green Bay. On Sunday they had a chance to move squarely into the NFC Wild Card picture with a victory over the lowly San Francisco 49ers. With two seconds left, kicker Robbie Gould lined up for what seemed like a straightforward 35-yard field goal for the win.
He yanked it left.
Then in overtime, Blaine Gabbert broke their heart with this 71-yard strike to Torrey Smith.
The loss sends the Bears to 5-7. Sure, they’re not totally out of the playoff picture but they’ll need to win out (and get some help) to have any chance.