After a promising 2-1 start, the Chicago Bears are 2-4 and three straight losers. What makes it worse for head coach Matt Eberflus is that every game was within a point. They’re 28-20 for the Giants, 29-22 for the Vikings and 12-7 for the Commanders. Every time something happened in the 4th quarter that ruined their chances. Velus Jones missed a punt return. Ihmir Smith-Marsette fumbled. Darnell Mooney couldn’t hold onto a touchdown.
Can’t finish. That’s the long and short of it. Eberflus now has 11 days to find solutions. The Bears won’t be playing Monday Night Football in New England until October 24. During his press conference the day after, he explained that the coaching staff would use every extra moment to evaluate the team. This includes the ability to make cast changes. Keep in mind that he said this without being asked, which means he’s probably already thought about it.
Matt Eberflus is not blind. He also sees the problems.
They were the main reason for every loss this year. The challenge is to find solutions for them. Right now, most would agree that the offensive line is the number one concern. Fields was sacked 23 times in six games. That brings him to 65 km/h this season. People keep asking what’s wrong with the bears’ passing game. Easy. Start at the beginning. The main culprits for the problems are Sam Mustipher, Lucas Patrick and Braxton Jones.
This trio allowed a total of 46 pressures on fields. Something has to change or they’ll kill him. Riley Reiff and Michael Schofield are two longtime veterans. Perhaps throwing it into the mix could give the line more stability.
Matt Eberflus also has to try something different at the wide receiver. Dante Pettis has four drops in the past three games. The impassive St. Brown didn’t play much of a role. Smith-Marsette always makes mistakes. Maybe it’s time to get Velus Jones more involved, or call the likes of Isaiah Coulter or Reggie Roberson off the practice team. At least it sounds like the bears are willing to have such ideas.
Post Views: 4,104