The Chicago Bears mounted a thrilling comeback in Detroit against the division-leading Lions on Sunday but came up short in the final seconds. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams’ last pass hit the ground, securing a 23-20 victory for the Lions.
Controversy surrounded the Bears’ final drive due to how it was handled by coach Matt Eberflus.
With 32 seconds left, Williams was sacked between the 41 and 40-yard line in Lions territory.
Williams took a moment to get up as his linemen assisted him. He glanced at the clock, saw time ticking away, but refrained from calling a timeout, instead rallying his teammates to the line for another play.
The Bears managed only one more play before the clock expired, prompting announcers Jim Nantz and Tony Romo to criticize Chicago’s late-game management.
Eberflus later explained that the plan was to complete a pass to reach field goal range and then call their final timeout, preserving time for a potential game-winning kick.
He expressed “disappointment” for his players, acknowledging their hard work in attempting to upset the defending division champions, only to fall short.
