Bears coach Matt Eberflus explains decision not to call timeout in final seconds as fans cry foul
The Chicago Bears had a chance to tie, or win, their game against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day — but time ran out every time they had time to take advantage of it.
Quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked with 32 seconds left, but the Bears didn't run out the clock.
Williams then drove the ball with seven seconds left and sacked Rome Odunze's punter – the ball hit the floor with the clock at zero, giving the Lions a 23-20 win.
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Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus looks on during their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday. (Amy Lemus/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The lack of a timeout call was not particularly appealing to many on social media, who quickly began calling out Bears head coach Matt Eberflus.
But, Eberflus had his reasons.
Chicago Bears linebacker Caleb Williams looks to pass during their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday. (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
The Lions made franchise history by moving to 11-1 after bowing out of the Bears in gratitude.
Considering the ball was at the Detroit 41 on the last play, the Bears could have gained some yards, then called time to attempt a game-tying field goal.
But Eberflus said Williams waited too long to start the game — Eberlus wanted the ball up with 18 seconds left, but it wasn't picked up for another 11.
It was the Bears' sixth straight loss, with each of their last two coming by a field goal margin against NFC North rivals.
Meanwhile, the Lions are now 11-1, their best start in franchise history, as quarterback Jared Goff threw two touchdowns, both to Sam LaPorta, who finished with 3 catches for six yards.
Goff went 21-of-34 for 221 yards, and Amon-Ra St. Wideout Brown led the pack with 73 yards on five receptions.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams looks to pass during their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday. (Photos by Lon Horwedel-Imagn)
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Meanwhile, Williams came on in the second half, finishing with 256 yards and three touchdown passes. Keenan Allen had 73 yards, and DJ Moore finished with 97.
Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
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