Matt Nagy has always talked about the great tradition of the Chicago Bears. He even wore a George Halas hat at the season opener again in Green Bay in 2019. However, the Chicago Bears head coach never really seemed to stick to the franchise’s tradition. Especially when it came to meeting the alumni of the franchise, he didn’t see it as a big deal to create these incursions. Only two months into Matt Eberflux’s post and it’s already clear he’s a different beast.
The former linebacker-turned-defense coordinator idolized Dick Butkus as a child. So it’s no surprise that he jumped at the chance to connect with several Bears legends when he took over the team in Chicago. During an interview with longtime insider Peter King on his podcast, Eberflux revealed that he spoke to 30-35 alumni, including his childhood hero. Part of that was to introduce myself and take the chance to use my considerable skills.
In fact, he already has plans for one such iconic name.
“Eberflux: Alumni Challenge. It was special. You look at your phone and you have Dick Butkus… he answered me. Then you have Julius Peppers, (Brian) Urlacher, (Lance) Briggs. It’s really amazing. Tillman. Peanut Tillman. I hope he comes to spring training to talk to the team. I persuaded him to do so. So let’s see.
King: Maybe he can teach them a (peanut) punch.
EberfluxA: Oh, he’s going. He’s going.
No wonder Eberflus did it. Charles Tillman changed the game of football when he introduced “Peanut Punch” to the NFL. Before him, defensive backs and midfielders never really focused on forcing fumbles on ball carriers. Tillman demonstrated how devastating such a skill could be in ten seasons with the organization. Now, wherever you look in the league, guys are throwing that kick.
Eberflus sets up Tampa-2 protection again in Chicago. The same system helped Tillman become a superstar in Chicago under Lovie Smith. So it’s only natural that the head coach hired a former All-Pro to help teach the defense how to use the art. The main focus will be on the promotion of trade, so the presence of this knowledge should contribute to the implementation of this plan.
Matt Eberfluss is already ahead of the curve
It’s always been strange why previous head coaches didn’t take advantage of the Bears’ rich tradition. So many great players have walked through their doors. Some of them have stated time and time again that they are more than willing to share their knowledge to help the organization win. However, for some reason, every new mode shrugged off this idea. For a new head coach to turn 180 degrees and accept this idea is not so little.
Matt Eberfluss does it not only out of nostalgia. A wise coach would see Bears alumni as a resource. Something they can use to help the current generation of gamers get better. Here is a group of guys who have reached the very pinnacle of the NFL. Maybe they have some tips on how to get there. If some players are smart enough to listen, it will only help the Bears.
There is no real downside to this.
At the very least, this proves that Eberflus is a competitor and is willing to do whatever it takes to win. Recalling past greats may be small things, but doing enough small things can lead to great success. He understands it. If even one player takes Tillman’s lesson to heart this spring, it could benefit the Bears at a critical moment this fall.
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