LANDOVER, Md. – In a game where the Chicago Bears handed the ball to an offensive lineman for a fumble at the goal line, this didn’t even top the list of embarrassing moments for them against the Washington Commanders on Sunday.

Despite the team’s struggle, Tyrique Stevenson decided to taunt the home crowd at Northwest Stadium. This might have seemed acceptable if the Bears had managed to secure a 15-12 comeback victory. Instead, as captured in crowd footage circulating online, Stevenson was distractedly engaging with fans while Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was snapping the ball for a Hail Mary play. Realizing the game was still ongoing, Stevenson joined in the fray as Daniels threw his desperate pass. Unfortunately for the Bears, he inadvertently redirected the ball to Noah Brown, who caught it for a stunning 52-yard touchdown as time expired, giving Washington an 18-15 victory.

“We’ve practiced that play countless times,” said Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, who planned to review the tape to analyze the breakdown.

The Bears’ strategy dictated that each defender cover a receiver closely, akin to boxing out in basketball. One defender was supposed to be designated to swat the ball away, while another was to be the “back-tip guy,” according to Eberflus.

But Eberflus did not specify who this “back-tip guy” was.

“That’s a tough way to lose,” he added.

Was the designated “back-tip guy” missing?

“I’ll need to review it,” Eberflus replied.

Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson noted, “There should never be an open receiver in the back of the end zone.”

“I can’t tell you who was supposed to be there,” he commented.

The moment was disastrous for the Bears’ defense and made even worse by the viral video that surfaced. Stevenson did not address the media following the game, and Eberflus was not specifically questioned about his showboating.

“I apologize to Chicago and my teammates for my lack of awareness and focus …. The game isn’t over until the clock shows zeros,” Stevenson posted on social media after the match. “Can’t take things for granted. I’ll learn from this, and improvements will be made.”

Bears safety Kevin Byard III confirmed that defenders are trained to box out their assigned opponent while another player attempts to knock down the ball. Washington tight end Zach Ertz assisted in flipping the ball back into the end zone.

“It was a crowded area, and I know guys were trying to box out,” Byard said. “But you can’t just grab and tackle guys at that point.”

“We can discuss the nuances and details all day, but ultimately, it was a tough play – because, as I said, he had so much time, and we were doing our best to maneuver around our man.”

The Bears sent three defenders at Daniels, who held onto the ball for 12.79 seconds before making his throw, according to Next Gen Stats. Eberflus acknowledged that the defense may have benefited from increased pressure and pointed out that linebacker T.J. Edwards was ineffective because he was assigned to cover Austin Ekeler, who was blocking.

As jubilation erupted from the Commanders’ home crowd and sidelines, the Bears were left in disbelief.

“You almost can’t believe what you’re seeing in that moment,” wide receiver Keenan Allen remarked. “It’s like, ‘Did that really just happen? Are there any flags?’”

Bears Waste Opportunity With Awful Goal-Line Play Call

Despite their issues, the Bears were just a yard away from taking the lead in the fourth quarter.

Backup offensive lineman Doug Kramer Jr., donning No. 68, lined up in the traditional fullback position and reported as eligible as the clock neared six minutes with the Bears facing a third-and-goal on the 1-yard line. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams took the snap, turned, and handed the ball to Kramer. Almost immediately, the ball slipped free and was recovered by Commanders defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton.

“We practiced that play,” Eberflus stated. “We just need to execute it better.”

The coach further added, “It’s simple wedge blocking. You’re at the 1-yard line, and you have a big guy getting the ball. We’ve practiced this numerous times.”

Williams expressed confidence in the play, saying his comfort level was “100 percent.” He was officially credited with the fumble.

“I know that mistake is weighing on Kramer, but I’m proud of the guys,” said Williams, who returned to his hometown area and completed 10 of 24 passes for 131 yards.

Kramer, who is 6-foot-2 and 300 pounds, is no William “Refrigerator” Perry. He grew up near Chicago in Hinsdale, Illinois, and attended the University of Illinois. He certainly wasn’t the typical choice for a handoff in that situation, especially since the offense sometimes utilizes tight end Cole Kmet in that role.

When asked if he still agreed with the rationale behind the call, Eberflus replied: “It’s a 1-yard play.”

Unless, of course, it ends up going in the wrong direction and results in a fumble. Without deep reflection, the Bears’ season could spiral similarly after such a loss.