LANDOVER, Md. — The Bears lost Sunday’s game in the most painful way possible, watching Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels launch a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass that was tipped and landed in receiver Noah Brown’s arms as time expired.
Here are three takeaways from the Bears’ 18-15 loss to the Commanders at Northwest Stadium:
Caleb goes backward
For the first time in six weeks, there was no obvious signs of progress from Caleb Williams, the quarterback whom the Bears drafted first overall. Playing in front of friends and family, the Washington, D.C.-area native posted a 59.5 passer rating, his worst since Week 2. He completed only 10-of-24 passes for 131 yards and was sacked twice. The Bears didn’t score until the final minute of the third quarter and scored their fewest points since Week 2.
Defense holds
The Bears defense allowed Daniels, the second pick in the draft, to throw for 326 yards and run for another 52. They were stout in the red zone, giving up four field goals and no touchdowns — until the ill-fated Hail Mary.
Swift breaks out
Running back D’Andre Swift ran 18 times for a season-high 129 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown run that gave the Bears their first points of the game. It was his longest run of the season.