(670 The Score) Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson apologized to his team Monday morning at Halas Hall for his lapse on a decisive Hail Mary that resulted in a dramatic Commanders touchdown and win Sunday at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md.
With two seconds remaining, the Commanders trailed 15-12 and had one last opportunity for a heave from their own 48-yard line. The Bears dropped seven defenders back near the goal line, preparing for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to attempt a long throw toward the end zone.
But the 24-year-old Stevenson initially removed himself from the play by turning his back to Daniels as the Commanders snapped the ball. Stevenson raised his arms to the crowd while appearing to taunt Commanders fans.
Stevenson then retreated back to the scrum of players in the center of the field as the football descended just in front of the goal line, but he deflected the pass into the hands of a wide-open Commanders receiver Noah Brown in the end zone. On the play, Stevenson was responsible for defending Brown on a potential deflection, Bears coach Matt Eberflus said Monday.
"I let them down, and those guys hold me to a higher standard,” Stevenson said of his apology to the Bears. “So does everybody in this building.
“It's something that can't happen ever again and won't happen ever again.”
Eberflus didn’t rule out the possibility of team discipline for Stevenson, though he added that matter would remain internal.
Stevenson endured a difficult game Sunday in which he was beat by Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin for a 61-yard reception in the first quarter. Later, he also delivered a swipe to the facemask of guard Sam Cosmi, which resulted in a 15-yard personal foul penalty.
Bears veteran safety Kevin Byard, a player-selected team captain, said his teammates will continue to stand by Stevenson.
"I'm going to support my guy,” Byard said. “It's going to be a great lesson for him as we go forward throughout this season and just in life, period.
“I believe that he'll learn from this lesson."
A second-round pick of the Bears in the 2023 NFL Draft, Stevenson has played in 22 NFL games, primarily as a starter at cornerback.
At times previously, Eberflus has removed Stevenson from games when his play has been inconsistent, with second-year cornerback Terell Smith often being the replacement. That was the case Sunday, when Stevenson was removed in favor of Smith during a series early in the game.
Stevenson understands that despite his apology to the Bears, there could be more consequences coming.
“I'm worried about the opinions in this building,” Stevenson said. “These guys got me back, and I'm moving forward.
"I respect all these guys, and I love all these guys. All I can do is take it on the chin.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.