Bears' Stevenson reflects on costly blunder: "It just hurt my feelings."
Tyrique Stevenson’s tipped Hail Mary pass cost the Chicago Bears a crucial game against the Washington Commanders, leaving lingering repercussions for both the player and the team.
Why it matters: This pivotal moment in Week 8 of the previous season not only handed the Commanders an 18-15 victory but also set off a downward spiral for the Bears, who lost ten consecutive games following this defeat.
- The Bears ultimately made significant changes, including the firing of head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, highlighting the severity of the team's struggles.
What’s new: Stevenson is still grappling with the fallout from that play, admitting that the backlash "still hurts" and describing it as a mistake that will linger in his career memories.
- In his own words: "It was harsh. It hurt my feelings... that's the best way I can explain it."
Yes, but: While Stevenson's mistake was high-profile, it is essential to contextualize it within the broader challenges facing the Bears' secondary during that game.
- Coach Ben Johnson acknowledged that cornerbacks can find themselves isolated without action for extended periods, making it crucial to quickly forget any mistakes when they do occur.
Between the lines: Teammate Kyler Gordon emphasized that Stevenson has moved on from the incident, focusing on proving his worth and not letting others define him by a single error.
- Gordon noted, "That s--- ended after that. He took it in, apologized, and I feel like from then on, he's been that way."
What to watch: As the Bears prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Stevenson to see if he can channel the pain from last year's blunder into motivation for improvement.
- A successful rebound could reinforce the notion that resilience is a vital attribute in cornerback performance, particularly within modern defensive schemes that require quick adjustments and mental fortitude.
The bottom line: For the Bears, moving past the memory of this loss will be critical not only for Stevenson’s development but for the overall health of a franchise seeking to rebuild its identity in the competitive NFL landscape.
- With a 2-10 record following bye weeks since 2013, the Bears must find a way to turn the page and restore confidence among their players and fans alike.