The Chicago Bears’ players, coaches, and fans were left baffled by the team’s puzzling final moments in their 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions on Thursday. With 36 seconds remaining, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked on Detroit’s 35-yard line, leaving the team facing a daunting 3rd-and-26. Surprisingly, the Bears chose not to use their final timeout, leading to Williams throwing a deep pass as time ran out. The chaotic sequence overshadowed what could have been an impressive fourth-quarter comeback, during which the Bears outscored the Lions 13-0.
Adding to the drama, the Bears experienced a tense moment earlier in the game when Williams took a hard hit to his knee from Lions linebacker Jack Campbell. The hit, which appeared alarming, occurred outside the pocket, where Williams was deemed a runner, making it a legal play. However, the direct impact on Williams’ knee sparked frustration among Bears players.
Fortunately, Williams avoided serious injury, but the incident didn’t sit well with him. When asked postgame about Campbell’s hit, the top draft pick described it as “funky” and admitted he didn’t appreciate the move.
“My knee’s fine,” Williams shared. “The play was funky, just put it that way. He kind of dove straight at my knee. I didn’t really get that. Definitely frustrating, but it’s just a bruise. Nothing serious.”
Despite the setback, the Bears now face the challenge of regrouping as they reflect on a game that could have unfolded very differently.
