Bears Rewind: Revisiting the Fail Mary ...Middle East

When the Bears head to Washington for Monday Night Football, the matchup comes layered with history, irony, and unfinished business.

Nearly a year ago, a crushing loss to the Commanders didn’t just derail Chicago’s season — it ultimately ended Matt Eberflus’ tenure as head coach. Now, with Ben Johnson at the helm — the same coach who turned down the Commanders’ head job the previous offseason — the Bears return to the scene of the collapse that changed everything, aiming to show just how far they’ve come since that night.

For the players, coaches, and fans, this is more than a rematch; it’s a chance to confront a painful memory and rewrite it in real time.

Bears vs. Commanders: Revisiting the Fail Mary

Last season’s meeting at Northwest Stadium was a masterclass in tension and heartbreak. The Bears trailed 12-7 late in the fourth quarter but were driving with everything on the line.

After a frustrating first half, Caleb Williams stepped up in the final period. He orchestrated a poised, methodical drive that showcased his growth and leadership under pressure, bringing Chicago all the way to a 15-12 lead with just 25 seconds remaining. Williams’ composure in the clutch demonstrated exactly why the Bears had such confidence in their young quarterback, and it offered a glimpse of what this team could achieve in high-pressure moments.

But the drama didn’t end there. With the Commanders at their own 48-yard line and only two seconds left on the clock, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels scrambled in the backfield before launching a desperation Hail Mary toward the end zone. The pass ricocheted off a cluster of Bears defenders near the 3-yard line and landed in the waiting arms of receiver Noah Brown, who had positioned himself perfectly in the end zone. The stadium erupted as Washington secured a miraculous 52-yard touchdown, completing an 18-15 victory that left the Bears stunned. It was the only touchdown the defense surrendered all night, yet it erased every ounce of Chicago’s comeback effort.

“It’s a tough one to swallow coming back like that,” former Bears coach Matt Eberflus said after the game. “But I was proud of how our guys battled back. We had a chance to win it. We’ve just got to execute better.”

Indeed, while the offense struggled for much of the night, the defense kept Chicago alive. The unit forced Washington to settle for four field goals before the final play and held the Commanders out of the end zone until the very last second. Key stops and disciplined tackling gave the Bears a fighting chance, even as the Commanders compiled 481 total yards — 313 passing and 168 rushing — with Terry McLaurin totaling 125 receiving yards and Brian Robinson Jr. churning out 65 on the ground.

Chicago’s offense, meanwhile, had its moments amid the struggles. D’Andre Swift provided a spark with a 56-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, bouncing outside and racing down the left sideline with key blocks from Kmet and Kiran Amegadjie.

Roschon Johnson also punched in a 1-yard touchdown with 25 seconds left, and a two-point conversion to Cole Kmet gave the Bears a fleeting 15-12 advantage. Every piece seemed to fall into place, and the would-be victory was within their grasp. Yet the final Hail Mary would define the night — and the narrative of the following season.

That game marked the beginning of the downward spiral that led to sweeping changes in Chicago’s coaching staff. Eberflus, who had overseen a team that battled hard and showed potential, was ultimately fired after the losing streak that began with that game. The Bears’ roster endured setbacks, close losses, and growing pains in the aftermath, paving the way for Ben Johnson’s arrival in January. Johnson, who had previously declined the Commanders’ head coaching job to remain in Detroit, brought a new vision and leadership style aimed at stabilizing the team and building for the future.

Heading into Monday night’s rematch, the Bears carry more than just the memory of that loss — they bring experience, growth, and a renewed sense of purpose. Caleb Williams, whose clutch play in the fourth quarter last year almost delivered a miraculous comeback, remains the team’s heartbeat.

This rematch isn’t just about redemption on the scoreboard. It’s a chance for the Bears to confront the pivotal moment that shifted their trajectory last season and demonstrate how far they’ve come since that fateful night in Washington. Every player who felt the sting of that Hail Mary has the opportunity to flip the script, and with momentum and preparation on their side, Monday night could finally bring the closure — and victory — that Chicago has been chasing.

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