Bears' Tyrique Stevenson apologizes for 'lack of focus' before Commanders' 'Hail Mary'

LANDOVER, Md. – Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson apologized Sunday night after he was seen taunting the Washington crowd seconds before he and his teammates gave up a Hail Mary touchdown as time expired Lost 18:15 against the Commanders.

In a video posted on social media, Stevenson could be seen pointing toward the stands and, with his back to the game, raising his arms in the air as the ball was ripped. He was late to the play and missed the chance to stop Zach Ertz from throwing the ball up for Noah Brown to catch in the end zone.

“To Chicago and his teammates, I apologize for the lack of attention and focus,” Stevenson wrote on social media. “The game is only over when there are zeros on the clock. I can't take anything for granted. Take notes, improvements will occur.”

To Chicago and his teammates, I apologize for their lack of awareness and concentration… The game isn't over until there are zeros on the clock. I can't take anything for granted. Notes taken, improvements will occur. #Beardown

— Tyrique Stevenson (@dreamchaserTy10) October 28, 2024

The Bears, fresh off their bye, ended their winning streak at three.

“It comes down to the last play, and we've practiced this play a hundred times since we've been here,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said. “I have to look at the execution, but we have a body on a body and we box guys like basketball at the very end. We have a guy on the edge throwing the ball to the ground. We have this.” I have a tipster who goes behind the pile. I need to look at it and detail it and make sure we do better next time.

They had just taken the lead on Roschon Johnson's 1-yard touchdown run with 25 seconds left.

“When you lose a game like that, it’s hard to digest,” said Eberflus. “I was thrilled with how they fought back to have a chance to win this game. It’s important to look at that too.”

Stevenson made seven tackles and defended one pass to start the game. He struggled in coverage as Chicago allowed Jayden Daniels to throw for 326 yards.

There were many problems before the Hail Mary, including Caleb Williams fumbling an exchange with offensive lineman Doug Kramer early in the fourth quarter. Williams also hit a sack once to knock the Bears out of field goal range and completed 10 of 24 passes, his fewest completions in his young NFL career.

“I have to get better,” Williams said. “I have to get the ball out of my hands. I have to throw him out of bounds in this situation. The hardest part about the job is you want to go out and make plays and do special things, but you also have to understand that this is the game.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.