It’s Time To Have That Uncomfortable Matt Eberflus Conversation
The Chicago Bears offense loaded up on talent this off-season. They even added an offensive coordinator with more credibility in Shane Waldron. It felt like this should be the year things finally come together. Matt Eberflus seemed confident. His defense was good. The special teams were improving. All they had to do was get the offense to passable status, and this could be a playoff team. Three weeks into the season, and it’s been an unmitigated disaster. It has yet to score more than one touchdown in a game.
This has nothing to do with them having a rookie quarterback. Caleb Williams has made his share of mistakes, but he’s been one of the better players on the field. This is despite bad blocking and a non-existent running game. Waldron had no concept of getting his unit into a rhythm. The fact it’s the third game of the same stuff happening raises alarm bells. Eberflus hasn’t helped his own case with some abysmal in-game management. It started with his two bad challenges last week and continued with a baffling timeout after a touchdown in the 4th quarter because he wanted to go for two.
It is early, but conversations have already started about whether Eberflus should survive beyond 2024.
The primary concern about Matt Eberflus still exists.
Many were worried that the defensive-minded coach would lack the right plan to elevate a young quarterback like Williams. His Waldron decision is looking worse and worse by the day. Leaving a tight end to block a 1st round edge rusher in a game-winning drive situation? Little mistakes like that are unacceptable. Keep in mind this is the easier half of the Bears’ schedule. For them to look this bad and this unprepared sets off alarm bells for the slate of divisional games they face in November and December.
Williams is not the problem. Despite his occasional mistakes, he has looked exactly like a #1 pick should after three games. Rome Odunze also had his breakout performance. Talent is not the issue with this team. If they want to reach the next level, they have to find coaching that can elevate them. Green Bay has it. Minnesota has it. Matt Eberflus is a good man with a proper football mindset. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a keen sense of game management or an ability to get all three phases playing at a high level.
He is a primary component in the Bears’ 1-2 start.