A year after the infamous “Fail Mary” dramatically shifted the trajectory of both franchises, the Chicago Bears and Washington Commanders prepare for a high-stakes rematch on Monday night, with Chicago eager to rewrite history and Washington aiming to solidify its upward trend.
The Chicago Bears are set to revisit the site where their 2024 season took a drastic turn for the worse, facing the Washington Commanders on Monday night. This isn’t just another regular-season game; it’s a rematch steeped in history, defined by a single, unforgettable play that has become etched into the memory of both fan bases: the “Fail Mary.”
Last season’s Week 8 encounter saw Caleb Williams lead a crucial touchdown drive, putting the Bears ahead 15-12 with only 25 seconds left. However, Jayden Daniels swiftly orchestrated a comeback, completing two passes to approach midfield before unleashing a Hail Mary. Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown secured the tipped pass for a game-winning touchdown, leaving Bears fans stunned.
Adding insult to injury, replays showed Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson taunting Commanders fans prematurely and arriving late to defend the decisive play. Stevenson, still with the Bears, acknowledged the fan backlash, stating, “It was harsh, it hurt my feelings… but just use it as fuel.”
A Season-Altering Moment
The impact of that “Fail Mary” was profound. The Bears, riding a three-game winning streak before the loss, spiraled into a 10-game losing streak, finishing the 2024 season with a disappointing 5-12 record. In stark contrast, the Commanders seized momentum from that victory, securing a wild-card spot and making a memorable run to the NFC title game, as chronicled by Pro-Football-Reference.
Now, a year later, both teams insist they are looking forward, not back. New Bears coach Ben Johnson and his 2-2 squad are coming off a bye week, seeking to build on their 25-24 Week 4 road win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon downplayed the past, asserting, “Honestly, there hasn’t been a ton of talk as far as what happened last season… I don’t think anyone is really focused on that except for like going out there and winning.”
Commanders coach Dan Quinn echoed this sentiment, stating, “That’s last year’s story. It was awesome; we loved it. But it doesn’t apply to this week’s game at all unless we get into that exact scenario and that exact situation.”
Bears’ Redemption Arc? New Coach, New Hope
The Bears are in a different place under Ben Johnson. Despite rallying to beat Las Vegas with just 271 yards of offense, their offensive unit currently ranks 17th in the NFL with 328 yards per game, including a struggling 24th in rushing with 102.3 yards per game.
Offensive Struggles and Caleb Williams’ Development
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has shown flashes of potential, completing 81 of 130 passes (62.3 percent) for 927 yards, eight touchdowns, and two interceptions. However, he has also been sacked seven times, highlighting ongoing protection issues. Coach Johnson admitted, “Offensively, we’re still a work in progress… some things we’re doing well. Some things we’re not. The inconsistent nature with where we’re playing, we’re shooting ourselves in the foot.”
The Bears‘ injury report for Thursday’s estimated practice included several key starters:
- Defensive Back Jaquan Brisker (quad) – DNP
- Right Tackle Darnell Wright (elbow) – DNP
- Defensive Tackle Grady Jarrett (knee) – Out
- Running Back Travis Homer (calf) – Questionable
- Tight End Colston Loveland (hip) – Questionable
- Defensive Lineman Austin Booker (knee) – Questionable
- Kicker Cairo Santos (right thigh) – Questionable
Defensive Woes and Kyler Gordon’s Return
Chicago’s defense has also struggled, giving up 379.5 yards per game and 29.3 points per game, both ranking among the bottom six in the league. A significant boost for the defense, however, will be the season debut of cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring), who recently signed a three-year, $40 million extension with the team, as reported by ESPN.
Commanders: Building Momentum and Offensive Firepower
The Commanders (3-2) are trending upward, fresh off a convincing 27-10 win at the Los Angeles Chargers. Quarterback Jayden Daniels returned after missing two games with a left knee injury, throwing for 231 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers, showing no signs of rust.
Key Playmakers: Daniels, Croskey-Merritt, and Samuel
Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a breakout performance against the Chargers, rushing for 111 yards and two scores. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, a former 49er acquired in the offseason, has been a dynamic force, catching eight passes for 96 yards and a touchdown in the last game. He is currently ninth in the NFL with 30 catches.
Daniels praised Samuel’s immediate impact, saying, “I would just say obviously as a playmaker, it kind of just spoke for itself when we traded for him… Everything he did in San Fran(cisco), he’s doing that here. So, we find ways to just get him the ball and let him make plays.”
Washington’s offense ranks 13th in the NFL with 349 yards per game. However, they will be without key receivers:
- Wide Receiver Noah Brown (groin/knee) – Out (missed past three games, out for fourth straight)
- Wide Receiver Terry McLaurin (quad) – Out (missed two games, out for third straight)
- Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel (hip) – Questionable
- Guard Sam Cosmi (knee) – Doubtful
- Running Back Chris Rodriguez Jr. (calf) – Questionable
Defensive Pressure
On the defensive side, the Commanders are tied for third in the NFL with 15 sacks, with defensive end Dorance Armstrong leading the charge, tied for third individually with five sacks.
Fan Community Buzz: Moving On or Haunted by History?
Among the fan communities, the “Fail Mary” remains a touchstone, evoking both pain for Bears fans and exhilaration for Commanders faithful. While coaches and players profess to be focused on the present, the narrative of revenge and redemption looms large for Chicago. For Washington fans, it’s a chance to prove last season’s playoff run wasn’t a fluke and that their team’s upward trajectory is sustainable.
Expect online forums and social media to be abuzz with “what-if” scenarios and passionate debates about how much the past will truly influence this pivotal prime-time matchup. Will the Bears play with an extra chip on their shoulder, or will the pressure of the moment lead to a similar unraveling? This game offers a unique blend of historical drama and current-season stakes.
Conclusion: A High-Stakes Monday Night
This Monday night showdown promises more than just a football game; it’s a narrative battle between a team eager for redemption and another looking to continue its ascent. With both teams battling injuries and seeking consistency, the outcome could hinge on individual performances from quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels, and how effectively each coaching staff can navigate their team’s respective strengths and weaknesses.
Regardless of the final score, the specter of the “Fail Mary” will undoubtedly add an extra layer of intrigue to what is already a critical contest for both the Chicago Bears and the Washington Commanders as they strive to define their current seasons.
