NFL Notes: Bears CB Stevenson apologizes to team for missing Hail Mary program

Chicago Bears linebacker Tyrique Stevenson apologized to his teammates for his behavior gesturing to the crowd and turning his back when Washington’s commanders threw the ball at their goal winning Hail Mary touchdown pass. after the time had passed and I promised myself I wouldn’t do it again.

“I allowed this moment to become too important and to be something that could never happen again and will never happen again,” he said on Monday, the day after painful defeat 18-15.

Stevenson addressed the team unprompted during Monday’s meeting. He said he wanted to let other players know that he realized he had “let them down.”

Coach Matt Eberflus said any discipline will be handled on-site. Stevenson seemed prepared for it, although he said he had not met with the coaches.

“We went through the film, did walkthroughs and tried to improve everything. Honestly, I can’t give you (any) details about it, but,” he said without finishing the sentence.

The Bears (4-3) entered Sunday’s game against Washington hoping for their fourth straight victory. However, after struggling offensively for most of the day, Roschon Johnson took their first lead with 25 seconds left.

The Commanders then went from 24 to 48 before sloppy Jayden Daniels hit Noah Brown for the game-winning 52-yard touchdown. Stevenson arrived late on the play and missed an opportunity to prevent Zach Ertz from lifting the ball to an uncovered Brown, who caught it in the end zone.

Video published on social media it showed Stevenson pointing to the stands and raising his arms in the air, with his back to the game – he said because he was rooting for Bears fans – when the ball was thrown. When he realized what was happening, he ran towards the middle of the field. Eberflus said Stevenson was supposed to block Brown. But instead he went for the pass.

“I think it’s a really good lesson for everyone to learn from in terms of respecting the game,” said a tight-lipped Cole Kmet.

Stevenson published an apology following the game on social media, saying, “I apologize to Chicago and my teammates for my lack of awareness and focus…. The game doesn’t end until the clock hits zero. You can’t take anything for granted. It has been noted, improvement will follow.”

Two-time All-Pro reserve Kevin Byard said the Bears “still love” Stevenson and called it a “lesson learned for him.”

“He addressed the team without anyone asking and kind of said what he had to say, and I thought that was great news, just an apology and reassurance that he wasn’t locked up and stuff like that,” he said. “It’s just the evidence inside him. That’s all you can count on in a situation like this, and we will continue to support him.”

The Panthers have no answer at QB

Bo Nix has already won more games in his rookie season than any quarterback in Denver Broncos history.

Jayden Daniels’ Hail Mary throw leaves Washington Commander alone atop the NFC East. Caleb Williams shows promise for the Chicago Bears.

CJ Stroud is, well, CJ Stroud.

And Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield are rejuvenating their careers in Minnesota and Tampa Bay.

The Carolina Panthers had or could have had any of the above quarterbacks if they played their cards right.

This has to be incredibly frustrating for owner David Tepper, who simply can’t find the right long-term answer at quarterback because either his coaching staff didn’t develop their own player or the front office signed the wrong player. or made poor personnel decisions that prevented them from landing one.

Chiefs acquire pass passing device from Patriots

The Kansas City Chiefs acquired pass rusher Josh Uche from the New England Patriots on Monday for a sixth-round pick in the 2026 draft, giving one of the NFL’s best defenses a boost at a position where it has been looking for help.

Uche will fill the lineup for tight end Jody Fortson, who goes on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Uche was drafted in the second round by the Patriots and has 20 1/2 sacks over parts of five seasons, including two through the first seven games of this season. His best year came in 2022, when Uche recorded 11 1/2 sacks and two fumbles in 15 games.

Cowboys DE Williams suspended for 3 games

Cowboys defensive end Sam Williams was suspended by the NFL for three games on Monday for violating the league’s rules of conduct.

Williams has been on injured reserve all season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during special teams drills in training camp in August. He then underwent season-ending surgery. The suspension means he will not be paid for the next three weeks, but will be eligible to be reinstated on November 11 and will not have to miss any games when he returns from injury.