CHICAGO — Drake Maye and the New England Patriots pulled off an improbable last-second touchdown Thursday night, turning what looked like a sure halftime deficit into a one-possession game at Soldier Field.
With 14 seconds remaining in the second quarter and the Chicago Bears leading 20-7, Maye threw a short dump-off pass to running back Rhamondre Stevenson near midfield. According to NextGenStats, the play had just a 4.3% chance of reaching the end zone.
Stevenson had other ideas.
The veteran back found open lanes, bounced the play to the outside and raced 48 yards into the end zone as the clock expired, cutting the Bears' lead to 20-14 and sending shockwaves through the stadium.
"What in the world did we just watch?" was the only rational question anyone in the building could ask.
The score came at a particularly tender moment for the Bears, who were playing their first home game since the death of legendary coach Mike Ditka. The night had opened with a moment of silence for the Hall of Famer, and fans were given fake mustaches to honor his iconic look.
For the Patriots, the play provided momentum heading into halftime. New England arrived at Soldier Field riding a three-game winning streak and fighting to stay in contention in a competitive AFC.
The second half would determine how much the late-half theatrics mattered. The Bears, who built their lead in the first half, would need to respond to the emotional whiplash of seeing a commanding advantage shrunk in an instant.
