NFL media, fans roast Bears players and coaches after brutal loss to Commanders
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Tyrique Stevenson of the Chicago Bears reacts in the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders. Photo: Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
The Bears lost in humiliating fashion on Sunday, but a player's behavior late in the game has embarrassed fans more than the actual loss.
Driving the news: With the Bears one play away from victory, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was caught taunting the D.C. crowd.
- Stevenson was yelling towards the crowd when the ball was snapped. He didn't realize the play had started, putting him out of position as Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels heaved the ball downfield.
- Stevenson then absent-mindedly tipped the ball up in the air, where Commanders receiver Noah Brown caught it for the last-minute game-winning touchdown.
What they're saying: "To Chicago and teammates my apologies for lack of awareness and focus," Stevenson wrote on social media.
- "Notes taken, improvement will happen."
The intrigue: The Bears drafted Stevenson in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft. Some analysts say he slipped from the first round because of character concerns.
State of play: His undisciplined behavior and head coach Matt Eberflus' head-scratching defense call have analysts and fans calling for action.
What they're saying: "I would consider firing the coach," David "Kap" Kaplan said on ABC 7 Monday morning.
- "The mistakes that were made yesterday were so egregious."
Zoom out: Kap isn't alone in that sentiment. National and local media are echoing the same points.
Here's what could happen this week:
Stevenson is fined: Stevenson could be fined by the league for his taunts, but also by the Bears for his lack of focus on the final play.
The Bears (or NFL) suspend Stevenson: It's hard to see what grounds the league would take to suspend the player, but the team could take it into their own hands. Yet, a suspension of a starting cornerback with an already depleted secondary may hurt the team more than it would help.
The Bears cut Stevenson: Fans are out for blood, wanting the Bears to release the cornerback. He's still on his rookie contract, so it wouldn't be a huge salary cap hit.
- Yes, but: Stevenson, who was drafted in the second round, is too good to cut.
The Bears fire Eberflus: Sunday's game puts Eberflus back on the hot seat. The ugly last-minute loss hurts the team in the standings, and the undisciplined ending is damaging the team's reputation.
- Yes, but: Even after the inexcusable loss, the 4-3 team is still in the playoff hunt.
The Bears do nothing: This is the odds-on favorite move. The Bears aren't an organization moved by sentiment. They have a long history of not holding players and coaches accountable for losses and ugly storylines.
- The McCaskey family, which owns the Bears, has never fired a head coach in-season.
The bottom line: It stings to lose on a Hail Mary touchdown, but the bigger sting is having the team's character called into question.