Bears' Doug Kramer Jr. takes accountability for goal-line fumble in Week 8 loss

With the NFL word talking all about the Hail Mary that cost the Chicago Bears a win in the final moments to the Washington Commanders, the game wasn't lost by just that one play.

The Bears struggled on offense throughout the first three quarters and with their first opportunity at the goal line, the offense called a play for a handoff to offensive lineman turned fullback Doug Kramer Jr., who fumbled into the hands of the Washington defense.

It was a play that will live in infamy for the Bears in the 2024 season, but speaking to the media immediately after the game Kramer credited offensive coordinator Shane Waldron for his trust to call the play. But Kramer took responsibility for the fumble.

"I appreciate Shane [Waldron] for having the trust in me to call it," Kramer said, via Marquee Sports Network. "I made a mistake, dropped the ball on the 1-yard line."

Fortunately for Kramer and the entire offense, they were able to get back down the field and score the go-ahead touchdown even after a disastrous offensive display for the first three quarters. Even after making up for the offensive failures, the Commanders would go down the field and win the game on a 52-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass.

There's no doubt that the play call and follow-up fumble hurt the Bears in their effort to secure the comeback victory, but they had multiple chances to close the game out afterwards and failed to do so.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears' Doug Kramer Jr. takes accountability for goal-line fumble