Overwhelming defense shuts down Goff, L.A.

CHICAGO — Eddie Goldman led a dominant effort by the defense, and the Bears shut down Jared Goff and Los Angeles’ high-powered offense in a 15-6 victory over the NFC West champion Rams on Sunday night.

The Rams (11-2) missed a chance to secure a first-round playoff bye and fell into a tie with New Orleans for homefield advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

Goff threw a career-high four interceptions and was sacked three times, with Goldman getting to him for a tie-breaking safety early in the third quarter.

Bradley Sowell became the first Chicago offensive lineman in 11 years with a touchdown reception when he caught a 2-yarder from Mitchell Trubisky in the third quarter.

“For them to go out and do it (against) a team that had only one loss all year long ... is so powerful for our guys now because it helps us grow,” head coach Matt Nagy said. “It helps us grow with confidence. It helps us grow togetherness.”

Goff was 20-for-44 for 180 yards with a 19.1 rating. NFL rushing leader Todd Gurley ran for a season-low 28 yards on 11 carries, and the Rams’ threegame win streak ended.

The Rams’ only other loss was at New Orleans. But against the Monsters of the Midway, they managed just 214 yards.

“Tonight was a humbling experience for me as a head coach,” Los Angeles’ Sean McVay said.

The NFC North-leading Bears (9-4) bounced back from a wild overtime loss to the Giants and won for the sixth time in seven games.

Trubisky was about as bad as Goff. After missing the previous two games because of a right shoulder injury, Trubisky went 16-for-30 for 110 yards with three interceptions.

Goldman broke a 6-6 tie early in the third quarter when he sacked Goff for a safety.

The Bears then used a trick play they call “Santa’s Sleigh” to make it 15-6, when Sowell hauled in a 2-yarder from Trubisky.

The Rams had a big opportunity late in the third when John Johnson III returned an interception 35 yards to the Chicago 27. But Fuller picked off a wobbly pass from Goff intended for Josh Reynolds on the next play.

Los Angeles’ Greg Zuerlein missed a 40-yard field-goal try off the right upright in the opening minutes of the fourth after making a 50-yarder earlier in the game.