Chicago Bears defensive back Tyrique Stevenson learned a very painful lesson in humility and playing through the whistle.
He didn’t do either of those things in the waning moments of Sunday’s contest, ultimately and directly costing his team a game against the Washington Commanders that they had in the bank.
In what turned out to be one of the most dramatic endings in recent NFL history, the Bears faced a heart-wrenching defeat at the hands of the Commanders. The game, which had been a close contest, ended with a scenario that football fans will discuss for years to come.
With the clock winding down and the Bears leading by three points, the Commanders were down to their last play – a long-shot Hail Mary pass. And I mean long – Washington was on their own 48 yard line.
So confident that his team had sewn up the victory, Stevenson began the play with his back to the line of scrimmage and actually began taunting fans in the stands as the ball was snapped. He was nowhere near paying attention to what was going on.
dont apologize, you gave us one of the funniest images in NFL history ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ pic.twitter.com/ZSiO3PFY3m
— Middy (@middyishappy) October 28, 2024
Tyrique Stevenson Looked Like A Fool
As the Commanders lined up for their final play, an unexpected scene unfolded. Tyrique Stevenson, clearly caught up in the moment or overconfident with the Bears’ lead, was seen on video engaging with the Commanders’ fans.
His attention was diverted instead of focusing on the potential game-deciding play. And then … he became the key component in the game-deciding play.
Stevenson’s lapse in concentration proved costly. Commanders’ quarterback Jayden Daniels launched a beautiful, if just slightly short, Hail Mary pass downfield. The Bears DB, now belatedly aware of the play, managed to get to the ball.
But his attempt to knock it down resulted in a tip that landed perfectly into the hands of the uncovered Noah Brown for a Washington walk-off touchdown as time expired.
The Bears lost 18-15. All because Stevenson had to let Washington fans hear how great he was. What a dope!
Crazy video I got of #Commanders vs #bears walk off pic.twitter.com/mXFkR5wOGW
— Joe Abdo (@joe_abdo) October 27, 2024
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Apologizes To Fans On Social Media
As far as all-time bonehead plays go, this one by Tyrique Stevenson is right up there. Leon Lett said he was embarrassed to watch what happened.
The Bears player did offer a comeuppance of sorts on social media.
“To Chicago and teammates my apologies for lack of awareness and focus …. The game ain’t over until zeros hit the clock. Can’t take anything for granted,” he said. “Notes taken, improvement will happen.”
With the brutal loss, the Bears fall to 4-3 on the season and sit alone in last place in the NFC North. The Commanders are alone in first place in the NFC East thanks to the gift Stevenson gave them.
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