The Chicago Bears got way too cute on a crucial play late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders, and it cost them dearly.
Trailing by five points with 6:21 to go in the fourth, the Bears had the ball at the Washington 1-yard line looking to take their first lead of the day at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. The Bears opted for an unconventional handoff to backup center Doug Kramer to try to punch their way into the end zone.
Kramer and quarterback Caleb Williams were not on the same page on the handoff, which was fumbled and recovered by the Commanders.
Refrigerator Perry Fail
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— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) October 27, 2024
Washington players kept running and took the ball downfield for what they hoped would be a touchdown, but the play was ruled dead at their own 3-yard line after their recovery.
A closer look at the play showed that Kramer never really had the ball to begin with.
we'll take that
📺 #CHIvsWAS CBS pic.twitter.com/CgWMfZeCOS
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) October 27, 2024
Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was roasted on social media for the call. The Bears had a hot hand in running back D’Andre Swift, and had struggled to move the ball all day. Going with a trick play in that spot seemed beyond outrageous.
That is a heinous, Nagy-grade playcall by Shane Waldron.
There’s a time for everything, but in a game where nothing’s working I think you keep the “trick” plays in your pocket. Terrible.
— Robert Schmitz (@robertkschmitz) October 27, 2024
What in the world makes Shane Waldron and the Bears think they’ve earned that play call?! Come on guys. Swift is having a monster game.
— Danny Parkins (@DannyParkins) October 27, 2024
This is a category with soooooo many potential right answers, but Shane Waldron calling a handoff to Doug Kramer on the 1 against the Commanders in fourth quarter of a 12-7 game might be the dumbest call ever by a #Bears offensive coordinator. I'm sure there are other candidates.
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) October 27, 2024
Incredibly, the Bears nearly overcame their own ineptitude. After forcing a three-and-out, they went down the field and scored a go-ahead touchdown in the final minute to beat Washington 15-12, only to blow the game in amazing fashion.
