The Chicago Bears going into a tailspin following their Hail Mary failure vs. the Washington Commanders made for a convenient narrative last season. Turns out, there may have been some truth to that story.
Caleb Williams — in an interview with Esquire — admitted the team was “annoyed by” the way former Bears coach Matt Eberflus handled the situation, per the Chicago Sun-Times.
“How [Eberflus] handled it at that time, for that game, was, I think, one of the things that throughout the locker room people talked about and were annoyed by,” Williams told the magazine.
Advertisement
The Bears appeared to be on the verge of improving to 5-2 before disaster struck. With Chicago leading 15-12, Jayden Daniels and the Commanders needed a miracle to pull off a comeback. With six seconds left, Daniels completed a 13-yard pass to Terry McLaurin to put the Commanders in Hail Mary territory. On the play’s final game, Daniels completed his pass to Noah Brown after it was tipped by Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. The Bears lost the contest 18-15, and then lost their next nine games.
Eberflus faced a myriad of questions after the loss. Why did the Bears sit back and allow McLaurin to pick up an easy catch? Why did the team allow Daniels to scramble around on the final play? What happened with Stevenson? Eberflus defended the team’s actions, saying that particular play was practiced “100 times.”
Video later emerged showing Stevenson taunting Commanders fans at the beginning of the play, which caused him to be out of position when he tipped the Hail Mary into Brown’s arms. Stevenson apologized for his actions. The cornerback did not start the following week as part of his punishment.
Bears players had plenty more to be annoyed about as the season went on, including a botched end of game sequence on Thanksgiving. With the Bears in field-goal range down three points, the team failed to get a final play off before the clock expired. Some Bears questioned that decision publicly. Cornerback Jaylon Johnson was reportedly furious after the game and let Eberflus hear about it in the locker room.
Advertisement
Eberflus defended how things played out on the field and preached resiliency to the players after the game. He was fired the next day.
Caleb Williams shed tears after rookie season ended
Williams also admitted he cried after a tough rookie season, per Esquire. Williams said he was drained “mentally, physically [and] spiritually” after the team’s struggles. When he got home after the year was over, Williams got into his bed and “dropped a few tears.”
It was a mixed bag for Williams during his rookie season. While his numbers — 20 touchdowns to 6 interceptions — look solid, he struggled to make quick decisions. Williams was sacked a league-leading 68 times. While the offensive line was responsible for some of those plays, Williams came under fire for holding the ball too long.
Advertisement
Things could be better in Year 2. Williams said he experienced plenty of “growth” as a result of the team’s struggles. To ensure that growth is realized, the Bears hired offensive guru Ben Johnson to replace Eberflus.
Johnson might be a first-year coach, but he comes with immense expectations. While he may not live up to all of those immediately, if he’s even marginally better at late-game management, Bears players and fans should have a lot less to be annoyed about.
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Slovenský kapitán odmítl reprezentaci. Místo přípravy na MS dorazil za Varaďou do Vítkovic
„Je dobře známo, jaké trenérské úspěchy Václav Varaďa v kariéře měl. Znám hodně kluků, kteří pod ním hráli, bavili jsme se o tom. Možností bylo víc, ale co jsem chtěl, hledal a představoval si, toho se mi tady dostalo. Proto jsem podepsal s Vítkovicemi. Bylo hodně pozitivních věcí, které mě přilákaly,“ uvedl zkušený hokejista, který se v Ostravě dohodl na víceletém kontraktu.Do Ostravy dorazil na úvodní sraz Vítkovic na přelomu staré a nové sezony. „Znám se asi jen s Jindrou Abdulem, nějaké roky jsme spolu trénovali v Bratislavě a chtěl jsem vidět i další kluky, kteří už tady jsou. No a samozřejmě jsem se chtěl potkat i s trenéry a členy realizačního týmu. Přijel jsem se seznámit, kvůli tomu jsem tady,“ říkal.Z domova to neměl daleko. Bydlí ve slovenské Čadci, s hokejem začínal v Žilině. Jeho hokejového dovednosti jej dovedly až do NHL, kde oblékal dres New Yorku Rangers a Calgary Flames. Poslední čtyři roky hrál […]
It’s time for Giannis Antetokounmpo to depart from the Bucks after another early exit
The Bounce Newsletter | This is The Athletic’s daily NBA newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Bounce directly in your inbox.On this date in 1963, with the 83 pick in the 14th round of the NBA Draft, the New York Knicks drafted Bill Raftery out of La Salle. It wasn’t an easy pick to make. It took ONIONS!The Buck Stops HereBucks, Giannis should prioritize themselvesA couple years ago, when the Bucks paired Giannis Antetokounmpo with Damian Lillard, they were supposed to get a second life in title contention. Instead, they’ve now been eliminated from the playoffs in the first round for the second straight year. The Bucks were supposed to challenge Boston in a race for supremacy in the Eastern Conference. Instead, they’ve been left in the dust.AdvertisementWith Lillard’s Achilles tear putting him out for perhaps all of next season, the Bucks are […]
Geniální žert. Dýmovnice v barvě rivala baví anglické fanoušky
Proč? Z dýmovnice, kterou hrdě držel nad hlavou, k nebesům začal stoupal modrý dým. Barva Evertonu, největšího liverpoolského rivala.„Právě mi psal kámoš, nakoupil 10 000 modrých dýmovnic. Poslední čtyři týdny nahrazuje modré etikety červenými. Doufám, že jich prodá proklatě hodně,“ prozradil plán už 19. dubna na sociální síti X fanoušek Toffees.My mates just texted me there He bought 10,000 blue flares and spent the last 4 weeks taking the blue labels off them and putting red labels on them I hope he sells the fookin lot pic.twitter.com/rZGw6RkRbV— TonyBlueblood (@LesleyField5) April 19, 2025 Tak ohromné množství se mezi oslavující fanoušky určitě nedostalo. Ačkoliv se promyšlený vtípek nepodařil na maximum, účel částečně splnil. Propíraný moment rozebírá několik zahraničních médií.Na hřišti jsou Reds v porovnání s Evertonem dlouhodobě úspěšnější. Merseyside derby za posledních 14 let prohráli pouze dvakrát.Ve zmiňovaném utkání, které jim definitivně zajistilo zisk mistrovského titulu, porazili Tottenham 5:1. V tu chvíli […]
Casagrande elege técnico que prioriza essência do futebol brasileiro: “A escola é assim”
Casagrande, em podcast no YouTube (Reprodução) Casagrande vê o Flamengo destoando do atual “padrão” aplicado no futebol brasileiro. Diante da prioridade máxima estabelecida por Filipe Luís, o time carioca não costuma voltar com a bola em investidas no ataque. Neste cenário, o ímpeto ofensivo aplicado magistralmente pelo técnico é visto como um aspecto cada vez mais esquecido nos jogos da seleção. “Talvez o Flamengo seja o time que menos toca para o lado e para trás. Irrita ver um time que está na entrada da área adversária e vai tocando pro lado, toca pro volante, pro zagueiro e volta para o goleiro. Isso é irritante no futebol brasileiro.”, disse Casão, no UOL News Esporte. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE “O estilo do Filipe Luís é outro. A escola do Flamengo é assim (ofensivo) e a escola da seleção brasileira é assim também. Isso […]
Jay Woodcroft? Manny Malhotra? 9 candidates to be Canucks’ next head coach
Rick Tocchet informed the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday that he will depart the organization after a successful two-and-a-half year stint that saw him accumulate the second best point percentage of any coach in franchise history, while winning the Jack Adams for coach of the year in 2024.Replacing what Tocchet brought in Vancouver won’t be easy, and Canucks management is very much in the early stages of a process to identify a new bench boss that the club sincerely believed wouldn’t be required this summer.Advertisement“We’ll do a shortlist,” said Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford on Tuesday afternoon. “I’d expect our phones will ring on a regular basis from people who want this job. We’ll narrow it down fairly quick and start the process from there. Up until now, we didn’t talk about it.”As the process begins the Canucks will […]
Talk of the Devils roundtable: Man United’s greatest European away games
Manchester United have enjoyed many memorable European nights away from home over the years, and ahead of their season-defining trip to Bilbao to play Athletic Club on Thursday night the Talk of the Devils crew of Ian Irving, Laurie Whitwell, and Andy Mitten looked back at some of their favourites.AdvertisementUnsurprisingly a famous comeback in Turin came up almost instantly, but you can listen to the full episode below or in the Talk of the Devils podcast feed to hear the rest of the gang’s selections.This partial transcript has been edited for clarity and length. The full episode is available on the Talk of the Devils feed on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Ian: This one’s from Al (listener), “The best European away game was the 3-2 against Juventus in 1999. They had two early goals, and I thought it was over. But […]
Related
Slovenský kapitán odmítl reprezentaci. Místo přípravy na MS dorazil za Varaďou do Vítkovic
„Je dobře známo, jaké trenérské úspěchy Václav Varaďa v kariéře měl. Znám hodně kluků, kteří pod ním hráli, bavili jsme se o tom. Možností bylo víc, ale co jsem chtěl, hledal a představoval si, toho se mi tady dostalo. Proto jsem podepsal s Vítkovicemi. Bylo hodně pozitivních věcí, které mě přilákaly,“ uvedl zkušený hokejista, který se v Ostravě dohodl na víceletém kontraktu.Do Ostravy dorazil na úvodní sraz Vítkovic na přelomu staré a nové sezony. „Znám se asi jen s Jindrou Abdulem, nějaké roky jsme spolu trénovali v Bratislavě a chtěl jsem vidět i další kluky, kteří už tady jsou. No a samozřejmě jsem se chtěl potkat i s trenéry a členy realizačního týmu. Přijel jsem se seznámit, kvůli tomu jsem tady,“ říkal.Z domova to neměl daleko. Bydlí ve slovenské Čadci, s hokejem začínal v Žilině. Jeho hokejového dovednosti jej dovedly až do NHL, kde oblékal dres New Yorku Rangers a Calgary Flames. Poslední čtyři roky hrál […]
It’s time for Giannis Antetokounmpo to depart from the Bucks after another early exit
The Bounce Newsletter | This is The Athletic’s daily NBA newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Bounce directly in your inbox.On this date in 1963, with the 83 pick in the 14th round of the NBA Draft, the New York Knicks drafted Bill Raftery out of La Salle. It wasn’t an easy pick to make. It took ONIONS!The Buck Stops HereBucks, Giannis should prioritize themselvesA couple years ago, when the Bucks paired Giannis Antetokounmpo with Damian Lillard, they were supposed to get a second life in title contention. Instead, they’ve now been eliminated from the playoffs in the first round for the second straight year. The Bucks were supposed to challenge Boston in a race for supremacy in the Eastern Conference. Instead, they’ve been left in the dust.AdvertisementWith Lillard’s Achilles tear putting him out for perhaps all of next season, the Bucks are […]
Geniální žert. Dýmovnice v barvě rivala baví anglické fanoušky
Proč? Z dýmovnice, kterou hrdě držel nad hlavou, k nebesům začal stoupal modrý dým. Barva Evertonu, největšího liverpoolského rivala.„Právě mi psal kámoš, nakoupil 10 000 modrých dýmovnic. Poslední čtyři týdny nahrazuje modré etikety červenými. Doufám, že jich prodá proklatě hodně,“ prozradil plán už 19. dubna na sociální síti X fanoušek Toffees.My mates just texted me there He bought 10,000 blue flares and spent the last 4 weeks taking the blue labels off them and putting red labels on them I hope he sells the fookin lot pic.twitter.com/rZGw6RkRbV— TonyBlueblood (@LesleyField5) April 19, 2025 Tak ohromné množství se mezi oslavující fanoušky určitě nedostalo. Ačkoliv se promyšlený vtípek nepodařil na maximum, účel částečně splnil. Propíraný moment rozebírá několik zahraničních médií.Na hřišti jsou Reds v porovnání s Evertonem dlouhodobě úspěšnější. Merseyside derby za posledních 14 let prohráli pouze dvakrát.Ve zmiňovaném utkání, které jim definitivně zajistilo zisk mistrovského titulu, porazili Tottenham 5:1. V tu chvíli […]
Casagrande elege técnico que prioriza essência do futebol brasileiro: “A escola é assim”
Casagrande, em podcast no YouTube (Reprodução) Casagrande vê o Flamengo destoando do atual “padrão” aplicado no futebol brasileiro. Diante da prioridade máxima estabelecida por Filipe Luís, o time carioca não costuma voltar com a bola em investidas no ataque. Neste cenário, o ímpeto ofensivo aplicado magistralmente pelo técnico é visto como um aspecto cada vez mais esquecido nos jogos da seleção. “Talvez o Flamengo seja o time que menos toca para o lado e para trás. Irrita ver um time que está na entrada da área adversária e vai tocando pro lado, toca pro volante, pro zagueiro e volta para o goleiro. Isso é irritante no futebol brasileiro.”, disse Casão, no UOL News Esporte. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADE “O estilo do Filipe Luís é outro. A escola do Flamengo é assim (ofensivo) e a escola da seleção brasileira é assim também. Isso […]
Jay Woodcroft? Manny Malhotra? 9 candidates to be Canucks’ next head coach
Rick Tocchet informed the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday that he will depart the organization after a successful two-and-a-half year stint that saw him accumulate the second best point percentage of any coach in franchise history, while winning the Jack Adams for coach of the year in 2024.Replacing what Tocchet brought in Vancouver won’t be easy, and Canucks management is very much in the early stages of a process to identify a new bench boss that the club sincerely believed wouldn’t be required this summer.Advertisement“We’ll do a shortlist,” said Canucks president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford on Tuesday afternoon. “I’d expect our phones will ring on a regular basis from people who want this job. We’ll narrow it down fairly quick and start the process from there. Up until now, we didn’t talk about it.”As the process begins the Canucks will […]
Talk of the Devils roundtable: Man United’s greatest European away games
Manchester United have enjoyed many memorable European nights away from home over the years, and ahead of their season-defining trip to Bilbao to play Athletic Club on Thursday night the Talk of the Devils crew of Ian Irving, Laurie Whitwell, and Andy Mitten looked back at some of their favourites.AdvertisementUnsurprisingly a famous comeback in Turin came up almost instantly, but you can listen to the full episode below or in the Talk of the Devils podcast feed to hear the rest of the gang’s selections.This partial transcript has been edited for clarity and length. The full episode is available on the Talk of the Devils feed on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Ian: This one’s from Al (listener), “The best European away game was the 3-2 against Juventus in 1999. They had two early goals, and I thought it was over. But […]
Be the first to leave a comment