The Chicago Bears are 4-3, still boasting a winning record but undoubtedly deflated after overcoming several unfortunate circumstances – many of their own creation – to take a 15-12 lead over the Washington Commanders.
However, it was not to be.
Bears-Commanders Takeaways: Self-Inflicted Woes Ruin Caleb Williams’ Homecoming
Final Play Emblamatic of Bears’ Day vs Commanders
With 26 seconds on the clock, Commanders QB Jayden Daniels – who was a game-time decision with a rib injury that he battled all game – got close enough.
Daniels scrambled around; just long enough to unload a heave to the end zone. Even then, the play seemed dead in the water with one black jersey surrounded by a sea of white. Again, though, it was not to be for the Bears. Daniels’ pass found Noah Brown, who had snuck away from the pack to snag the touchdown.
The play effectively summarizes the day where the defense stood up repeatedly, allowing just one touchdown on the day – the winning one.
“Jayden Daniels held onto the ball for 12.79 seconds on his game-winning 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown to Noah Brown, the first TD pass with a time to throw over 10 seconds in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016),” NFL NextGen Stats posted on X on October 27.
Earlier in the game, Bears corner Tyrique Stevenson was beaten on a passing play to Terry McLaurin that covered 61 yards, though the drive still ended in a field goal.
That was still the longest pass play of Daniels’ career.
The No. 2 overall pick of the draft completed 55.3% of his passes for 326 yards and 1 touchdown with 0 interceptions. He also added 52 yards on eight carries, escaping the Bears’ rush in some critical moments on the final drive.
Caleb Williams’ Homecoming Marred by Offensive Sloppiness
Bears rookie Caleb Williams’ return to his native D.C. did not go as he had hoped. He appeared a bit skittish to start, missing several open receivers on passes he typically connects on. Williams completed 41.7% of his throws for 131 yards. He tallied another 41 yards on 10 carries in the contest.
He was 2-for-5 for 38 yards on their go-ahead drive that Roschon Johnson capped on what was just his second carry of the game.
Williams lost 1 fumble, missing the handoff to offensive lineman Doug Kramer.
Kramer has been part of the Bears’ jumbo offense and had reported as eligible. It occurred at the Commanders’ 1-yard line with Chicago trailing 12-7 in the fourth quarter. Williams and Bears head coach Matt Eberflus defended the play as one they had practiced.
Still, it was a curious decision for a team that had gotten back in the game thanks in large part to D’Andre Swift who had a 56-yard touchdown run on his 129-yard (on 18 carries) day.
The Bears were penalized eight times for 60 yards, doubling the Commanders in the latter stat.
The Bears were shut out in the first half versus the Commanders. They have now been shut out in five opening quarters this season. They have 1 first-quarter touchdown and have scored 10 points total in opening frames in 2024.
The Bears will harp on execution this week as they regroup, just as Eberflus and Williams did after the game.
Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron will also face questions about decision-making and presnap penalties.
Bears Lose Braxton Jones to Leg Injury
The Bears will also have to navigate some murky injury waters. Starting left tackle Braxton Jones suffered a leg injury. He was replaced by rookie fourth-round pick Kiran Amegadjie who acquitted himself quite well down the stretch after a rough first series.
Starting left guard Teven Jenkins also missed time during the game, but he was able to return and finish the game.
Montez Sweat also dealt with a shin issue, though there was no mention of it postgame.
Add that to the injuries the Bears entered the game with (Jaquan Brisker and Kyler Gordon) and they are far more banged up as their schedule toughens up. It would appear less daunting if their offense – specifically the passing game – could show consistency.
They had it going into the Week 7 bye but spent the opening half hanging their depleted defense out to dry.
That won’t get any easier when they visit the dynamic Kyler Murray the Arizona Cardinals.
Trade Deadline Looms Large for Bears
This could very well be a quiet trade deadline for the Bears. They do still have a winning record and their rookie quarterback showed moxie to come back in adverse conditions. But they could still make headlines during the closing days of the current transaction window.
The Bears notably made guard Nate Davis and running back Khalil Herbert inactive for the contest.
Davis was a prized free agent in 2023 but lost his starting job to journeyman Matt Pryor.
Herbert opened the 2023 season as the starter but ended up in a timeshare with Johnson and has been relegated to special teams with Swift coming about during the 2024 offseason. The Bears activated special teams maven Travis Homer before the game.
Herbert was the odd man out of the rotation as he and Davis have come up in trade rumors this week.
With how injuries can impact plans, it is possible the Bears stand pat.
However, trading Davis and Herbert could help add players the Bears feel they can get more use from or even draft capital which opens up other possibilities. Both players are well-liked in the locker room and Herbert noted that he is just focused on making the best of his opportunities.
