The aftermath of the Chicago Bears’ Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders has somehow managed to endure an entire week in the news cycle. That’s bad news for head coach Matt Eberflus, whose coaching mismanagement and lack of clear accountability have created what feels like an extremely volatile locker-room culture in Chicago right now.
The Bears’ current relationship with Tyrique Stevenson — the easy scapegoat for loss to the Commanders — is the only example needed.
On Sunday, Fox’s Jay Glazer reported that Stevenson pulled himself out of Bears practice early this week after learning he would be demoted for Chicago’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. While Stevenson certainly isn’t the only one to blame, that’s a terrible and immature look for a young player already being hung out to dry for letting his teammates down.
It’s just not how you respond in a situation like this:
Bears DB Tyrique Stevenson, the player seen talking to fans right before the Commanders' Hail Mary TD last week, pulled himself out of practice after learning of his demotion for his role in the game-losing play. @JayGlazer explains: pic.twitter.com/FEUA2tZ4tM
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) November 3, 2024
Woof. How Stevenson is even allowed in the Bears’ locker room today is beyond me. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that Chicago might be fighting for its season against the Cardinals. And a loss might truly torpedo whatever goodwill and unity there still was.
UPDATE: Per ESPN’s Courtney Cronin, Stevenson’s demotion was apparently much more tame than originally reported on a national scale. This now probably reflects much worse on the Bears’ leadership for letting it come out that initial first way.