A revelation from Bears head coach Matt Eberflus shined a light on defensive back Tyrique Stevenson’s assignment on Sunday’s now-infamous play, where he was taunting Commanders fans as their game-winning Hail Mary was in motion.
By the time Stevenson turned his attention back to the field, he was playing catchup. And while he made it back to the play in time to tip the deep pass from Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, it landed right into the arms of wide receiver Noah Brown as the Bears suffered a devastating 18-15 defeat.
On Monday, Eberflus spoke to reporters and confirmed the suspicions of those who watched the video: Stevenson was supposed to be boxing out Brown on the play.
Nevertheless, Eberflus said he was impressed that Stevenson offered an apology to his Bears teammates.
“It was a really good moment for him to be able to do that, show responsibility and accountability,” Eberflus said.
Stevenson also apologized publicly for the blunder on X.
“To Chicago and teammates my apologies for lack of awareness and focus,” he wrote.
“The game ain’t over until zeros hit the clock. Can’t take anything for granted. Notes taken, improvement will happen. #Beardown.”
The Hail Mary was particularly backbreaking for the Bears because they had battled back from a 12-0 deficit and took the lead with just 25 seconds remaining in the game on a Roschon Johnson touchdown.
In his media availability, Eberflus said he was unconcerned that the Bears let the Commanders have an easy 13-yard gain on a pass from Daniels to Terry McClaurin, where the wideout scampered out of bounds to set the team up for the Hail Mary.
“You’re defending a touchdown there, and they’re throwing a ball for 10 or 13 yards … That doesn’t matter. It’s always going to come down to the last play,” Eberflus said.
It was a puzzling answer from the Bears head coach given the Commanders were on their own 35-yard line before the gainer, and a Daniels throw would not have been able to reach the end zone from there.
The loss dropped the Bears to 4-3 — and last place in the NFC North.