No relationship is more important to the Chicago Bears‘ future than that of head coach Matt Eberflus and quarterback Caleb Williams. History shows that championship football teams are often determined by the synergy (or lack thereof) between those two positions. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Mike Shanahan and John Elway. Go back many years and it’s always the same. This has often been a problem the Bears have failed to avoid. John Fox never wanted Mitch Trubisky, nor did Matt Nagy. Lovie Smith and Jay Cutler weren’t always on the same page. This is a problem Eberflus knows he must avoid.
That is why he has worked hard to foster a close relationship with Williams since the quarterback arrived in April. The two have regular private meetings together, discussing football and other important topics. Many wonder if Eberflus is equipped for the job. He’s known for his defensive background, meaning he doesn’t exactly speak the language of a quarterback. However, a recent interaction between the two suggests the head coach understands one fundamental reality.
Williams mentioned it on Hard Knocks this past week.
Eberflus knows what Caleb Williams needs.
To build good teams, coaches understand that it is their job to make practices as difficult as possible. This isn’t meant out of malice or the perverse pleasure of torturing players. The goal is simple: Winning becomes easier once you make practices more difficult than games. This is a philosophy many great coaches have understood over the years. Belichick was famous for it during his glittering run with the New England Patriots in the 2000s and 2010s. By pushing his players in practice, he knew they’d be ready come Sunday.
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Caleb Williams has complained about how tough Eberflus is on him in practice, specifically his tendency to call a relentless number of blitzes. Far more than would actually take place in games. That might be true, but there is a method to the madness. The head coach knows that the more times his quarterback sees those various blitz looks in practice, the better prepared he’ll be to counter them when other teams try them in games. It might not be a pleasant experience, but it’s a necessary one.
It’s about entertainment and putting butts in the seats. No one wants to see a pitcher up there taking little league swings or putting down bunts. That’s boring, and the reason the National League pitchers always had better ERA, WHIP, etc., is because they had to face a pitcher spot at least 2-3 times per game. Then, when they got moved or moved to the American League, they struggled mightily because they actually had to face 9 legitimate major league hitters and had no easy outs. And eliminating or regulating the blitz is the most idiotic thing someone has said… Read more »
Scooby- I was OK with the DH in the American League because it had been that way since the mid 70s , but honestly no . I think a pitcher should bat.
Interesting. I’m not even a psychiatrist like the good doctor here is, but he’s the one that’s all spun up and upset. Pure hate he says. L O L. you’re pretty easy to work over. You have a good day, Doc. BTW… Just by mentioning the White Sox tells me all I wanna know. By the way, I’ll give you another chance to really dislike me. I’m a Cubs fan bud. Pretty realistic about the fact that they won’t make the playoffs, but I don’t think we’ll lose 100 games this year… No, I won’t offer you a hanky for… Read more »
It’s the prep work put in that is what allows our QB to play without thinking. I’ve heard some QBs want to be able to do that on game day.
@Hehateme30. (Y/N) on the Designated Hitter? I vote heck no, a pitcher has to come to the plate. Less headhunting. Belichick always made sure to have an intelligent safety covering his back end. Brisker needs to be the tone setter. I’ve said this for a while. He needs to improve his route recognition. I think Bayard was a great signing. (and Swift) We can draft his long term replacement soon. I do worry about his and Keenan’s health. We need to get a young center in here to develop a relationship with Caleb, like Manning had with Saturday. He’ll be… Read more »