For the third straight game, a fumble cost the Chicago Bears a chance at victory. And for the second time in the last three weeks, it was rookie receiver Velus Jones Jr. who was responsible.
The Bears held a 7-6 lead with eight minutes left in the game, and the offense was going to get a chance to milk the clock and try to move it down the field. Unfortunately, Jones muffed the punt on his own 9-yard line as the ball went off his facemask. While Jones tried to get on top of it, it was recovered by the Commanders on Chicago’s 4-yard line.
“It wasn’t a smart play,” said Jones Jr. “I’m a man, I own up to my mistakes and that was a devastating blow. We wouldn’t be in that situation if that punt wasn’t muffed.”
Bears coach Matt Eberflus hinted that a change could be coming at returner after Jones’ second muffed punt in three games.
“Yeah, we are going to have to look at that,” Eberflus said. “Number one job of kick returner or punt returner is to any catch the ball, so we are going to have to look at that.”
The Bears have plenty to clean up after another ugly loss, especially on offense. The fact that they’ve fumbled away potential victory in three straight games is something they need to remedy. And that could start with taking Jones off special teams.
