Eberflus Avoiding Accountability for Conservative Game Plans

Here’s the Quick -n- Dirrty..

• Coach Eberflus talked about needing better execution and coaching, but hasn’t held himself or his staff truly accountable yet this season.
• The play calling has been too conservative late in games, playing not to lose rather than staying aggressive. This has directly contributed to late game collapses.
• The officials missed several penalties against the Bears, including an illegal hit on Lucas Patrick, but Eberflus doesn’t seem to advocate strongly enough for his players.
• There have been improvements on defense and the offensive line, but the coaching staff’s in-game adjustments and playcalling are still lacking.
• Eberflus needs a much better game plan for the upcoming game against the Vikings, or the Bears’ losing ways will continue and player morale will drop even further.

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The Struggles of My Beloved Bears: Questionable Coaching Holding Back a Team Full of Potential

As a diehard Chicago Bears fan, it has been a frustrating season watching the team I love fail to reach their full potential. At 3-8, hopes of a playoff berth are slim, but with young talent like Justin Fields and a defense that has improved throughout the year, the future seems bright. However, questionable decision-making and uninspiring game plans from head coach Matt Eberflus and his staff are holding the Bears back from success this season.

After yet another devastating last-minute loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 10, Eberflus pointed to execution mistakes in his post-game press conference. As a writer who strives to keep it real for Bears fans, I have to call out the glaring issues with coaching that are contributing as much if not more to these late game collapses. Yes, players need to execute, but it’s the coaches’ job to put them in positions to succeed with sound game strategy and play calling.

Conservative Fourth Quarter Game Plans Lead to Collapse

Far too often this year, we have seen the Bears play conservatively with a second half lead, only to surrender it in the game’s final minutes. Clinging to a 14-10 lead over the Lions with just over four minutes remaining, the Bears unsuccessfully ran the ball three straight times, going three-and-out. Detroit scored a touchdown on the ensuing drive to take a 15-14 lead before tacking on a walk-off field goal.

This passive game plan invited the Lions back into a game the Bears controlled. The coaches failed to make the proper in-game adjustments, playing scared by trying to run out the clock rather than aggressively putting more points on the board. Even a field goal attempt on the Bears’ late possession likely would have changed the outcome.

Season of Questionable Play Calling in Key Moments

While the Lions game offered the latest example, questionable late-game play calling has plagued the Bears all season long. Back in Week 1 versus the 49ers, the Bears took over with a chance to drive for a winning field goal. Rather than sticking with a quick-passing game, Eberflus dialed up slow developing deep shots that led to sacks and ended the comeback bid. Against Washington in Week 6, the Bears had 1st and Goal from the 5 yard line in a tie game with just over a minute left. Three failed plays later, they settled for another tying field goal. Washington promptly drove down to kick the winning field goal, dropping the Bears to 2-4.

Rather than building momentum, the Bears constantly fail to capitalize in crunch time. As a loyal fan, I know this team has talent on both sides of the ball. But the staff does the players no favors with their late-game decision making. From overly conservative calls to ill-timed shot plays, they continue to come up short when games are on the line.

In-Game Adjustments Remain a Weakness

As a Bears zealot who watches every snap each week, I keep waiting for the light bulb to come on for Eberflus and his staff regarding second half adjustments. While we have seen the defense steadily improve as the season wears on, the offense regularly sputters after halftime. Predictable runs into loaded boxes and quick drives resulting in punts or turnovers remain far too common. Eberflus has acknowledged the need for better in-game adjustments, but the fact that these issues persist in Week 11 is incredibly concerning.

The most recent loss stings worse when you consider the Lions smartly unleashed their athletic tight end down the stretch while the Bears stuck to slamming their heads against a wall with futile run calls. Elite coaches make the proper tweaks to counter what opposing defenses are doing; Bears coaches continue to hold the offense back with rigid game plans. For quarterback Justin Fields to reach his potential, he needs an innovative play caller who can counterpunch when the original game plan isn’t working.

My Beloved Bears Deserve Better

As a devoted Bears backer, I hate to criticize the coaches. I respect Eberflus’ leadership and professionalism, but the results on game day simply aren’t meeting expectations. For a rebuilding team with a high-profile young quarterback and emerging defense, establishing the right culture is crucial during these early years. But culture alone does not win football games; talent ultimately prevails when properly utilized.

Fields has all the talent in the world, as do burgeoning stars like LB Roquan Smith, CB Kyler Gordon, and RB Khalil Herbert. But we have yet to see the staff maximize it with a well-crafted game plan and quick in-game fixes when things go off script. Bears fans deserve better than late-game clunkers blown by questionable coaching. This team’s potential is evident, but it will remain unfulfilled if substantial changes aren’t made to support player development.

While playoffs may be out of reach for 2023, Chicago expects progress towards a championship culture. If Eberflus cannot deliver improved game plans that put players in positions to thrive, the Bears need to explore alternatives this offseason. As a loyal fan who keeps it real through good times and bad, I want this staff to succeed. But after another year of coming up short in close contests, my patience is wearing thin. It’s time for coaches to be held accountable through self-reflection and a commitment to better in-game decisions. Only then can my beloved Bears finally turn the corner towards consistent competitiveness against NFL foes, rather than excelling for just 56 minutes and faltering late. The talent is in place, but unlocking it ultimately falls on the shoulders of Matt Eberflus and his staff.

Bear Down Bears fans! and as always… PEACE!