When a team loses badly in the closing seconds of a game, the mind usually wanders to regret, which is a bad place to be. “How might we have handled that play differently?” “If we had taken advantage of that chance, would the result have been different?” Reviewing the video of their defeat by the Washington Commanders, particularly the final few minutes of the fourth quarter, should be intolerable for the Chicago Bears.

There were some really dubious decisions that led up to the incredible Hail Mary touchdown that helped the injured Jayden Daniels and his team win 18–15. Supporters will understandably concentrate on Tyrique Stevenson’s unconscionable lack of attention to detail only seconds before the desperate heave was executed or the shoddy defensive positioning on the prior play that first allowed for such an attempt. However, the Bears will still be held accountable for their goal-line disaster despite those enormous blunders.

With just under six and a half minutes left in regulation, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron opted for a pass to backup center Doug Kramer Jr. on third-and-goal from Washington’s one-yard line, even though Chicago already had momentum from strong performances by D’Andre Swift and Caleb Williams. However, Kramer fumbled almost immediately, and the Commanders quickly recovered the ball.

Instead of being a game-winning score, it serves as a sobering reminder that the Bears’ continuous attempts to alter the culture still have a long way to go. The coaching staff chose to be charming instead of relying on Swift or fellow running back Roschon Johnson to gain the one yard. Chicago is making an effort despite the fact that it is extremely difficult to defend the decision.

The Bears’ error is explained by Matt Eberflus.

According to Chris Emma of 670 The Score, head coach Matt Eberflus stated, “It’s a play we’ve worked.” Since Kramer has been in there, we have worked on that play. We have worked through the process, including the handoff to him and its mechanics. We simply must do it more effectively. The play is one yard. We believed that a large man like that could accomplish that by diving.

The Bears cut former wide receiver Khari Blasingame only days before their Week 8 game, so Kramer has been playing fullback all season long. However, the 2022 sixth-round draft pick had never recorded an in-game carry. No matter how well Eberflus, Waldron, or the team planned, this was just not the right moment to pull off such an unusual move.

The hopeful fans who thought that the days of confusing Bears football were over were the only ones Chicago fooled with that deception. When they play the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, they will be on high alert as Chicago looks to recover at State Farm Stadium.

Tyrique Stevenson’s Apology After.

After taunting the fans shortly before he allowed a Hail Mary touchdown in a pivotal play during a loss to the Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson received criticism and apologized. Stevenson appeared to be celebrating too soon as he gestured to the stands with just seconds remaining in a tense encounter. Unfortunately, he was out of position when the ball was snapped as a result of his lack of focus. The Bears lost 18–15 when he tried to tip the ball away and let Washington’s Noah Brown catch the game-winning touchdown instead.

Stevenson apologized publicly on social media, expressing regret for his behavior and stressing the value of staying focused and mindful during the game. He promised to learn from this experience and admitted that the game would continue until the last whistle blew. Stevenson’s comments demonstrated a greater awareness of the repercussions of his behavior, emphasizing the value of humility and the necessity of not taking anything for granted at pivotal points in a game.

The Bears’ three-game winning streak came to an end with the loss, and head coach Matt Eberflus was left wondering how to execute the last play. The team had rehearsed such scenarios many times, he said, and he was disappointed that they did not perform them correctly. Eberflus emphasized the value of having a defensive plan in these high-stress scenarios, pointing out that players must box out opponents, much as in basketball, in order to win.

Eberflus recognized the team’s effort in rallying to take the lead with only 25 seconds left in the game, thanks to a 1-yard touchdown run from Roschon Johnson, despite the disappointment. He acknowledged the emotional toll of the defeat, stressing that while it was a tough pill to swallow, it was also worthwhile to consider their tenacity and fortitude during the game. In order to prevent such circumstances in subsequent games, the coach sought to concentrate on enhancing their performance.

The Bears encountered several difficulties during the game, including problems with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, in addition to Stevenson’s error. Williams had a terrible game, misfiring on a pass and getting sacked, which made it harder for them to score. His dismal passing performance—he only completed 10 of 24 attempts—sparked questions about how well he would grow as a quarterback. Williams also admitted that he needed to get better, understanding the value of making calculated plays while striking a balance with the need to make big plays when things counted.