Not everything has gone according to plan for Matt Eberflus in his three years as head coach of the Chicago Bears. The offense remains one of the NFL’s worst despite a massive overhaul this off-season with a new coordinator, new quarterback, and retooled receiving corps. The team is 2-2 but should probably be 3-1 after a discouraging loss in Indianapolis. Plenty of people remain unconvinced that Eberflus is a good enough coach to push this team to the heights necessary for a championship.
That said, it is important to give credit where credit is due. The Bears defense is once again among the NFL’s best, thanks in large part to his motivational and play-calling skills. They are 8th in points allowed and 8th in pass defense. They’ve also forced eight turnovers. It was one of the reasons Eberflus was hired. GM Ryan Poles felt he would keep the defense strong. However, the head coach has also done something many felt wasn’t possible anymore.
He made Soldier Field a tough place to play.
Since October 22nd of last year, the Bears have won seven consecutive home games. It is the first time they have accomplished this feat since 1990, when they also won seven in a row.
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Matt Eberflus understands Bears history.
Historically, Chicago’s best teams always defended their home turf well. The 2018 Bears were 7-2 at home. They were 8-2 at home in 2006. In 1985? They went a perfect 10-0. Making Soldier Field a place nobody wants to play always goes a long way to helping this team make the playoffs. The Bears have eight home games this year. That means if they can sweep them all, they would only have to win three or four road games to have a realistic chance of making the postseason. Two are already in the bag. The next two will be against the 1-3 Panthers and 1-3 Patriots.
Credit must go to Matt Eberflus, who has emphasized the need to defend home field since he arrived in 2022. It seems that message is getting across to his players. They always seem to bring a little extra juice when playing at Soldier Field, and the fans are responding by making it inhospitable with their noise and enthusiasm. Say what you will about Eberflus. The man understands basic football common sense.
Bears won 7 home games in a row? It’s a positive step. Fans have definitely seen improvement on the defensive side of the ball after Flus took over DC dutes and Sweat arrived. But as HC, Flus could be better on clock management during close games, couldn’t he? I think most would agree that Flue sucks at challenges. I cringe every time I see him waste a timeout on a frivolous challenge. SO, the question that needs to be asked: IS Flus really responsible for the improved record at home OR is the defense since Sweat’s arrival the reason the… Read more »
So, rather than comment on Eberflus’ unlikely, but agreeable record of beating trash teams (appx .387 winning pct) at home, let me drop two names to be found on other team’s practice squads. Sam Mustipher – yes, he’s not great. But unlike our present center, usually stays upright, and was improving somewhat. Is he a huge improvement? Maybe not. But right now, even incremental steps on the IOL need to be valued. Kadarius Toney – that guy. Yes, he’s a big time underachiever. But if we really believe in our culture here, wouldn’t he be worth a flyer? Especially if… Read more »
The two games in the bag Erik is referring to are the wins over Tennessee and Los Angeles.
Can anyone name a coach who doesn’t want to win every home game?
Good news! I believe the London game is considered a home game too. The Bears will be better than the last time in London. Should have more energy too to fight evil jet lag fatigue. Stay alert Bears!