On Thanksgiving, a string of poor decisions by both players and coaches resulted in the Caleb Williams-led Chicago Bears handing a win to their divisional rival Detroit Lions. Former NFL journeyman QB Chase Daniel responded to Williams’ postgame press conference, where the latter indicated his decisions were a major reason behind the disastrous final sequence.
In the first game of the Thanksgiving tripleheader, the Bears began what would be their final drive at their own 1-yard line with 3:31 remaining. After driving deep into Lions territory, the Bears took a costly sack and penalty. It resulted in third down, the clock running with under 30 seconds, and only one timeout left.
In a shocking decision, the Bears did not use this timeout and were slow to snap the ball, which resulted in the time running out after a lackluster deep shot to first-round rookie Rome Odunze.
Social Media Reaction to Ridiculous Bears Situation
In the aforementioned press conference, Williams discussed the premature and amateur handling of the final drive.
“We got lined up, got the play and then I made an adjustment cuz I saw the clock running down knowing that if we complete a ball inbounds, we won’t have time to kick a FG”, he detailed.
In response to the transcript of Williams’ press conference, Daniel took to X (formerly twitter) to express his thoughts.
“WAIT…Caleb changed the 3rd down play with time running out?? You’re kidding right…What a disaster of a sequence,” he stated.
WAIT…Caleb changed the 3rd down play with time running out?? You’re kidding right…What a disaster of a sequence
“We got lined up, got the play & then I made an adjustment cuz I saw clock running down knowing that if we complete a ball inbounds, we won't have time to kick a FG” pic.twitter.com/vY4mHqtdxr
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) November 29, 2024
One fan expressed his belief that the responsibility of the situation falls more on the coaching staff, instead of Williams himself.
“The whole staff should be fired after that debacle,” the user explained.
However, the blame has fallen somewhat equally on both sides, with some fans blaming the QB and others the coach.
“He knew he had no choice, the called play wouldn’t have worked so he adjusted. His only mistake was the floater and not just letting it rip,” another argued.
“He never got the play in on time by his HC who froze.”
“Wow. Coach knew they had a TO left & called the right play. Caleb wasn’t aware & changed the play. Bears have had some incredibly tough lessons to learn from this year.”
Wow. Coach knew they had a TO left & called the right play. Caleb wasn't aware & changed the play. Bears have had some incredibly tough lessons to learn from this year.
— Mizzou Bill (@Firebill88) November 29, 2024
The State of the Bears
After a promising start to the season, one that saw them enter their bye week with a 4-2 record, the wheels have come off for the Bears. From losing on a Hail Mary to the Jayden Daniels-led Washington Commanders, a dismal performance against the lowly New England Patriots, and the complete lack of attention to detail against the Lions, the Bears have tarnished a bright start and now currently reside last in the NFC North with a 4-8 record.
While growing pains are expected under a rookie quarterback, there are some fundamental situational awareness issues that should transcend any level of football.
Eberflus should have taken a timeout in hindsight, but there was enough time for any play in bounds as the team had one timeout in their back pocket.
As a result, changing the play at the line of scrimmage with the time running out was a questionable and somewhat baffling decision by the former No. 1 overall pick Williams.
This situation has resulted in Williams, Eberflus, and the Bears as a whole being heavily criticized by analysts and fans alike since the game finished.