Matt Eberflus Revealed Secret Weapon That Turned Around Bears Defense

As October began, the Chicago Bears’ defense was like an army regiment coming off the front line in World War II: battered, exhausted, and shellshocked. They still couldn’t force turnovers and still couldn’t get stops. It was beyond frustrating. However, things took a shift that month in a few ways. First, head coach Matt Eberflus took over playcalling duties from the departing Alan Williams. His accomplishments as a defensive coordinator in Indianapolis were well-documented. If anybody could get the scheming issues figured out, it was him.

The other big moment came on October 31st when Ryan Poles swung a deal with Washington for defensive end Montez Sweat. His arrival jumpstarted a dormant Bears pass rush, which has created havoc in the weeks since. Things have clicked for two solid months since those changes. However, Eberflus made sure to point out to Adam Jahns of The Athletic that another unheralded addition has been instrumental to their success.

That is veteran assistant coach Phil Snow.

During a typical week, Eberflus puts a Sunday game, win or lose, “to bed” around noon on a Monday. After that, senior defensive analyst Phil Snow joins Eberflus in his office. It’s on to the next game. Snow, himself, is the head start that Eberflus wanted and needed.

“He would come in and talk about the next opponent: what personnel groups, what are they doing, how are they doing it, what’s their primary plays on first and second downs, third down, and all that,” Eberflus said. “He would help me jump ahead in the game plan.”…

…Snow provides what equates to an “advanced advance scout” of their next opponent. He helps Eberflus and other coaches when it comes to in-game situations. Hoke is in charge of the red zone defense, while Curtis handles third downs.

“’It’s helping us get the information and then what (Snow) sees,” Eberflus said. “He can take it to the next level.”

Matt Eberflus knew what Snow could bring to the table.

For one, there was his vast experience. Snow has coached defense at all three levels dating back to 1976. He’s lived and breathed football for almost 50 years. That kind of knowledge can be insanely valuable to people who understand what it’s worth. There is also the fact Snow is familiar with the type of scheme the Bears run. While he didn’t utilize himself as a defensive coordinator, he worked in it for years under former Lions and Bears coach Rod Marinelli. He ran the exact same system as Eberflus does. That made it easy for Snow to grasp what information was required when scouting future opponents.

Since his arrival on October 16th, the Bears defense has allowed 16 points or fewer in five games. All five were wins. Snow won’t get all the credit for that, but it’s beyond apparent that his addition to the coaching staff has been an unquestionable success. Matt Eberflus deserves a lot of credit for recognizing the need for somebody with his knowledge and experience. It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Bears promoted him to defensive coordinator next year if the coaching staff survives.