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Instant analysis of Chicago’s shocking loss

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2 weeks ago

October 28, 2024

Instant analysis of Chicago's shocking loss

That did not simply occur, did it? A miraculous heave to the endzone that glanced off the fingertips of Bears’ defenders fell into the ready palms of Commanders’ receiver Noah Brown, sending Northwest Stadium into frenzy because the Commanders stun the Bears, 18-15. The play that defies perception got here on the heels of a clutch, 62-yard drive that put Chicago forward of Washington with simply seconds left on the clock.

The Commanders’ stupendous Hail Mary to rob the Bears of their victory is certain to be considered among the finest moments of the 2024 NFL season — an opinion that assuredly is just not shared by Bears followers — however the majority of the sport was the farthest factor from thrilling.

Rookie phenom Jayden Daniels unexpectedly suited up for the Commanders regardless of the quarterback coping with a rib harm, and promise of the primary and second total decide duking it out in a primetime slot was fulfilled. The followers wished an offensive showcase, however protection dominated by the primary three quarters. Washington’s protection held QB Caleb Williams and the Bears’ offense to a scoreless first half, whereas the protection was pressured to bend however by no means broke, giving up three area targets earlier than halftime. Washington led 9-0 because the second half commenced.

The Bears managed to attain a breakthrough within the ongoing warfare of attrition by scoring the primary landing of the sport. Star working again D’Andre Swift hit his quota of a minimum of one electrical play per sport, taking the skin handoff and racing down the left sideline for the rating, reducing deep into Washington’s lead, 12-7. The Bears discovered themselves knocking on the door of the purpose line only a couple possessions later, and that is when the unthinkable occurred.

The field rating formally lists Chicago’s back-breaking turnover as a Williams’ fumble, however those that watched the play unfold know the reality. The quarterback caught what was alleged to be a handoff into the stomach of lineman-turned-fullback Doug Kramer — not Swift or Roschon Johnson — who promptly had the ball fling from his palms and into the horde of Commanders’ defenders. It proved to be some of the baffling and inexcusable performs that offensive coordinator Shane Waldron ever referred to as.

The Bears had been down, however they actually weren’t out. The offense started their remaining drive from their very own 38-yard line with 4:21 left in regulation, and so they proceeded to drag themselves from the brink and rating a go-ahead landing with simply 23 seconds on the clock. Johnson punched it in from one yard out, all however guaranteeing Chicago’s win. Bears led 15-12.

That is when it occurred. A brief catch put the Commanders at their very own 48-yard line with simply six seconds on the clock. The subsequent play could be the final. Daniels takes the ultimate snap, scrambles by the pocket, evades a pass-rusher rolling out proper, pump fakes a defender to purchase an additional second, resetting his toes and launching a Hail Mary throw that met the cavalcade of Bears’ and Commanders’ gamers on the purpose line. The soccer deflected off the palms of a number of defenders, however the ball’s momentum carried previous the purpose line and into the endzone — and into the palms of an undefended receiver ready there. The stadium erupts, gamers rush the sphere, and the Bears dejectedly stroll into the locker room after being handed an unbelievable 18-15 loss.

The defeat snaps Chicago’s three-game win streak and put the franchise at an total 4-3 document on the yr. Intense feelings of frustration and anger are certain to burning within the chests of Bears followers all over the place however permit me to offer a extra optimistic strategy. Shut solely counts in horseshoes and hand grenades, however let’s name it how we noticed it: Chicago restrained among the finest offenses within the league to only one landing. The offense had an off-game, and so they nonetheless had a win in-hand.

The Bears transfer on from this week to play the inconsistent Cardinals and the despondent Patriots the following two weeks earlier than battling the Packers in Week 11. The season is not over, Williams is not a bust, and nobody must be fired. Chicago remains to be in thick of it, and higher moments will probably be forward.