Tag: Hail Mary to the Bears

Commanders’ DC Joe Whitt says game should not have come down to Hail Mary

Joe Whitt Jr. explains what was going on in his mind during the Hail Mary.

Did you hear what Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt’s reaction was to the “Hail Mary” on Sunday?

Jayden Daniels connected with Noah Brown via a tipped pass and a blown assignment by the Bears defense, and the result was a 52-yard game-winning touchdown for an 18-15 Commanders win over the Bears.

How did defensive coordinator Joe Whitt feel about it?


“To be honest with you, I didn’t see much of it because I was pissed,” Whitt told the media at his weekly Thursday press conference.

“We had just gave up the touchdown, so I got up and was walking out of the press box, and then I turned around, and I was a little surprised about the play before the play. I thought they gave us a sideline, so we are going to have a chance at this, the Hail Mary”

Whitt said he then looked at the time and realized they were going to have a chance at a Hail Mary. He turned and watched a TV, not the field, and saw the ball was caught. He said he at first stood there because he “was still pissed.”

Whitt said he “went ballistic” and ran down the hall to the elevator. “So I really didn’t get to see the fans’ reactions until later seeing the pictures (replay) of it.”

“I am glad we have J5 (Jayden Daniels). He does an excellent job. But, we shouldn’t put him in that situation as a defense. We should close the game and finish the game in those winning moments.”

More than the defense not making the plays to keep the Bears out of the end zone, Whitt clarified, “I blame myself because we were in a solid (pause) but a better call I should have gotten to, and I didn’t. That is not acceptable.”

Whitt said he knew his defense didn’t come through, putting Daniels in the position of needing to pull off a Hail Mary.

There is a guy who knows not to bask too much in the miraculous.

 

What everyone said after the Commanders’ Hail Mary against the Bears

A collection of quotes from the Commanders’ miraculous win over the Bears

With the game clock having hit zeros, Jayden Daniels stepped up to the 35-yard line and heaved a Hail Mary toward the end zone.

Three Bears and Commanders players collided going up for the pass, with Tyrique Stevenson getting up higher than anyone else and deflecting the ball. It floated toward Noah Brown, who caught it for the winning touchdown.

Here is a collection of postgame quotes from players, analysts, coaches and media personalities.

Jim Nantz CBS, actual broadcast of the play

“And the ball is CAUGHT! It’s a MIRACLE! It’s Noah Brown! Oh my goodness! This town is going crazy! It’s a madhouse in Landover, Maryland!”

“This one will be played back over and over again for decades. The ball tipped by Stevenson and Noah Brown just standing back there all alone, plucks it out of the air for the victory!”

Tony Romo CBS analyst, immediately after the catch

“He did it!” I know this sounds crazy but there’s a method to the madness here. Everyone usually goes and jumps to the ball. But you always put one guy behind and one in front and have two or three go jump for it.”

“Daniels extending this play and the time allowed everyone to get down there in position to go toward the ball and be in their spot. And what a game, Jim! Nantz then simply replied, “There are no words.”

Sam Cosmi

“Miracles happen”

Noah Brown

“Yes, that happened to be my assignment on the Hail Mary. We got one guy in the front, two in the back. Try to throw it up to the jumper.”

We got a team of fighters. I am not surprised at all with this happening. I know we don’t give up until the final whistle. It’s just a phenomenal effort on all sides.”

We are well blessed to have ‘5’ leading this team. The things he can do is special. Even that last play, keeping his composure, fighting like Hell to get the ball off, and through a Hell of a ball. I wouldn’t want to play with any other quarterback. I am glad to have him.”

Trevor Sikkema Pro Football Focus lead draft analyst

“I’m so happy for Dan Quinn, man. Deserved a second chance at being a HC. He got one with one hell of a quarterback.”

Tyrique Stevenson (Bears defensive back who was talking smack to fans as the final play was beginning.

“To Chicago and teammates my apologies for lack of awareness and focus …. The game ain’t over until zeros hit the clock. Can’t take anything for granted. Notes taken, improvement will happen”

Terry McLaurin (said the Commanders practice this formation and tip drills)

“If you look it up on film, we were pretty much all in our spots.”

“It felt like it was going in slow motion.”

Kevin Durant

“HAHAHHAA LETS GO @Commanders “

John Keim

“that’s one way to avoid having more red zone issues.”

“Hail Mary. Do I need to say more?”

Jayden Daniels

“I just threw the ball up and gave my guys a chance.” Did he see it? “I just heard people screaming and the sideline rush the field.”

Phidarian Mathis

“It was crazy, it was crazy, man. I ain’t gonna lie, I shed a tear. It was amazing being around something like that. Wouldn’t want it no other way.”

Mitchell Tischler

“Jayden Daniels, magic in a pan! Trent Scott wouldn’t have fumbled that one!”

Chris Russell

“Tonight is 1 A in terms of memorable moments at this joint in Landover, since I’ve been around (2009 +). I can’t put it over NFC East clinching win over #Cowboys on SNF in 2012. But wow!

Zach Ertz

“You guys gotta stop calling him a rookie quarterback. He’s not a rookie quarterback in our eyes. … His maturity and poise is that of a 10-year vet. In our eyes, he’s just one of the leaders on this football team.”

Sam Cosmi on Jayden Daniels

“He doesn’t shy from adversity.”

“It was just like a movie …. front-row seats to be part of something amazing! Hats off to our defense. … I love being a part of this team. It’s something I never felt in my whole football career.”