The Chicago Bears lost in Washington to a last-second Hail Mary. While that alone was bad enough, growing evidence shows the team sabotaged itself thanks to the actions of one man. Tyrique Stevenson struggled most of the game but helped the defense corral the Commanders for only 12 points. Chicago took the lead 15-12 with 25 seconds left. On the final play, Stevenson was spotted looking away from the action at the sideline, jawing with fans. He continued this after the snap.
By the time he turned around, Jayden Daniels was setting up to throw. Stevenson’s job was to shadow wide receiver Noah Brown. His trash-talking allowed Brown to sneak into the back of the end zone, where nobody covered him. When the ball was deflected into the air, Brown was right there to make the catch. It was an inexplicable moment of immaturity and stupidity that cost Chicago the game.
Head coach Matt Eberflus says the Bears have practiced that exact play 100 times this year. He seemed perplexed at what happened. Now we know. The entire plan broke down because Tyrique Stevenson was too busy getting into it with fans to remember the game wasn’t over. Players must be held accountable for blunders like that. Stevenson is a good player, but he is not above the team. That play cost the team a crucial game in the NFC wild card standings. If the Bears and Commanders end up in a tie now, Washington will be in because of that play. This is the sort of moment that should get somebody benched. Chicago has a quality reserve in Terrell Smith. Eberflus can and should send a message to Stevenson that such actions will never, ever be tolerated.
