“Following Matt Eberflus’s Insights, Bears Explore Necessary Improvements for Offense and Defense”
A 4-4 record isn’t a major concern for the Chicago Bears at the season’s halfway mark. However, the more pressing issue for coach Matt Eberflus and his staff is the team’s recent performance trends, which could jeopardize their season and future if not addressed promptly.
The Bears are reeling from two tough losses: a last-second Hail Mary defeat to Washington and a 29-9 blowout against Arizona. Eberflus has identified the team’s primary challenge.
“We’re focusing on what we need to improve, starting with the offensive run game and then the defense; everything stems from that,” Eberflus stated on Monday. “We need to establish that to enable play-action passes and screens, putting ourselves in a better position to execute on third downs.”
Quarterback Caleb Williams has struggled on the road, holding a passer rating of 67.2 compared to 105.1 at home, while the passing game ranks 28th in the league for yards. The team’s failure to develop a reliable running game has contributed to sluggish starts, as they’ve scored only 10 first-quarter points this season.
“We must be prepared to play and score right from the first drive and the first play; we’ve often found ourselves in unfavorable situations,” said rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze. “We’ve shown glimpses of success on initial drives, so we need to carry that momentum into the end zone to start strong and set the game’s tempo.”
Despite offensive inconsistencies, Chicago’s defense had performed well until the recent game, where they allowed the Cardinals to rush for 213 yards—the highest total since January 1, 2023. The Bears missed defensive lineman Montez Sweat due to a shin injury and lost Andrew Billings in the second half to a pectoral injury, with Eberflus providing no update on Billings on Monday.
Eberflus emphasized that the team would not make drastic coaching changes, such as shifting offensive play-calling from offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
“The changes we will implement involve introspection, ensuring we effectively utilize our talents, and focusing on executing our plan,” he said.
The Bears feel relatively secure at 4-4, even if it doesn’t appear ideal. However, with all other NFC North teams boasting at least six wins, the remainder of the season will be challenging, especially with six divisional games still to play.