For fans who watched the Chicago Bears lose in real time during that Week 8 heartbreaker to the Washington Commanders, there really were no words to describe how that game unfolded in the end.
It was a classic example of high to low ... in an instant.
For fans who thought the game had been won off that final touchdown drive by quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense, that excitement evaporated within seconds. It was one of the more heartbreaking losses Bears fans have endured in quite some time.
As that final play took place, and the Commanders pulled off the miraculous, Williams could only watch from the sidelines in utter disbelief. But, in addition to that disbelief looked to be maddening fury, as captured on video.
Watching Williams' reaction to the Hail Mary touchdown is about as relatable as it can get for Bears fans. As soon as Noah Brown's touchdown was confirmed, Williams immediately turned to walk off the field in absolute disgust. He appeared to shout a few words, wait another second, and then continue shouting in frustration.
We might not know exactly what was said by Williams in the moment, but one thing is abundantly clear: based on that video, he clearly cares. It wasn't a sad, "woe is me" reaction. That reaction, from Williams, was as passionate as you could have asked for from a fan's perspective.
Now, after hearing some of the initial postgame reactions from players, coaches and media, there are clearly some things to iron out.
Things are not going well inside the Bears' building after the Hail Mary loss on Sunday
It took just one day for fans to see how this single loss could be the straw that broke the camel's back. Whether we're talking about the Tyrique Stevenson situation or lack of awareness by head coach Matt Eberflus, there are some clear issues this team has to work through, now.
Players like D.J. Moore and the rest of the Bears captains have already talked about the Stevenson issue and feel strongly that it needs to be addressed. Watching Stevenson taunt the Washington crowd as that final play got under way, only to be the one who cost his team the game, was not a good look.
More Bears news:
"What I have heard from players over the last 24 hours is something that I typically haven't in my time covering the Chicago Bears, and that is openly questioning coaching decisions."@CourtneyRCronin calls the Commanders Hail Mary win 'completely avoidable' for the Bears. pic.twitter.com/kGlbUwBYaQ
— Around the Horn (@AroundtheHorn) October 28, 2024
Meanwhile, there are players publicly criticizing Bears coaches, and for good reason. Players like Moore, tight end Cole Kmet and safety Kevin Byard have publicly expressed their displeasure with coaching decisions that led to the Bears' loss on Sunday, and that's not a good look for this team.
For fans who have seen this team crumble late in games under Matt Eberflus multiple times, already, this shouldn't come as a surprise. Winning cures all, but when things are going bad ... the truth easily comes out.
Chicago has some things to fix, and that might even include some major changes either now or at the end of the season. Who knows when the real moves will be made to fix these repeating problems. What we do know, is that these issues won't continue to last long now that the players are speaking out.