Why the Hail Mary loss was a blessing in disguise for Bears

USA Today

23-06-2025

The Chicago Bears' miserable 5-12 season can be summed up with one play -- the infamous Hail Mary loss to the Washington Commanders that kickstarted a 10-game losing streak and a chaotic locker room environment.
That one play ruined the entire season for the Bears, as many players admitted that they weren't the same following that moment. One bad mistake, tearing the locker room apart the way that it did, showed that it was fragile. But the fact remains that everything collapsed thanks to that moment.
Through all the bad, however, there is one silver lining to this play that destroyed everything in 2024. During the 10-game losing streak, Chicago fired head coach Matt Eberflus following a disastrous loss to the Detroit Lions. It was the first time in franchise history that the Bears fired a head coach in-season.
Eberflus knew how to handle a defense at times, but he was way over his head when it came to being a leader. He was stuck in his ways and didn't hold anybody accountable. It is hard to remember a tougher performance by a Bears head coach throughout their existence.
Imagine a world where Chicago wins the football game. The collapse that they had likely wouldn't have happened, and there wouldn't have been a dramatic end for Eberflus. They may have even gone on to win nine or 10 games with the vibes they would have had at 5-2.
If that happened, not only would Eberflus not get fired, but he also likely would get an extension. That means that Ben Johnson and his new staff never would have been hired. For obvious reasons, that's a blessing in disguise for the Bears.
Perhaps the shortcomings that Eberflus had as a head coach wouldn't have been revealed had they not lost that Commanders game -- although there were plenty of other examples of finding ways to lose games they should've won. The future of the team would be much bleaker.
Now, we don't know if Johnson is going to work out. He was the hottest name in terms of head coach candidates, and general manager Ryan Poles was able to land him. Johnson has a brilliant offensive mind, and that's what they want for quarterback Caleb Williams going forward. If it doesn't work, it won't be for a lack of trying.
Now, as a defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, Eberflus is in a much better spot suited for him. He can focus on defense, which was his strength coming into his head coaching gig in Chicago.
Everything happens for a reason, and everyone involved became better in the long run thanks to that play that set the Bears back while also setting them on a potential winning track with Johnson in place.