(Illustration by Jerry King)
After a players’ revolt helped unseat head coach Matt Eberflus, the Chicago Bears went out against the San Francisco 49ers, unencumbered by a head coach who froze in big moments. They gave some insight into who they are as a team. And it’s not pretty. They played like a team without a brain, courage, or heart. In other words, they seemed like they should be on the road to Oz with Dorothy rather on the road to play the 49ers.
In the past few weeks, the Bears have suffered losses in excruciating fashion. This week they lost in disgusting fashion. Did the players quit? Are the coaches that inept? I don’t know. But the really sad thing is I don’t think the McCaskey family knows either. Furthermore, I doubt CEO Kevin Warren knows. And if GM Ryan Poles knows, I’m not sure it’s in his best interest to say.
It seems the Bears’ problems run much deeper than Matt Eberflus.
Just how bad was it?
The Bears trailed at the half by a score on 24–0. But it was actually far worse than that. The 49ers picked up 319 yards to the Bears four. That’s right, the Bears had four yards of total offense in the first half.
The Bears appear to be a rudderless ship. I suspect the members of the Bears’ leadership committee will be quiet this week. And that’s a really good idea.
The decay on this team runs deep
No, Eberflus didn’t need to stick around. Actually, I suspect that allowing the cancer of ineptitude that was the Eberflus tenure has metastasized. Current Bears’ defensive coordinator, Eric Washington looked like he desperately missed Matt Eberflus’ play calling. As for interim head coach Thomas Brown, he went to the back of the line of potential Bears head coach candidates in 2025.
You might recall the Bears had previously fired two of Eberflus’ assistant coaches under a shroud of mystery. What’s going with this team? How bad is this coaching staff?
While acquiring the draft pick that resulted in the Bears’ drafting Caleb Williams will always be Ryan Poles’ signature move, he has had some serious misses. And signing off on the hiring of Matt Eberflus is the most damaging. It may even be fatal to his Bears’ career.
What was the deal with Nate Davis?
Nate Davis was the highest profile free agent offensive lineman the Bears have signed under Ryan Poles. To call him a bust is a disservice to the word. Some players don’t work out, but in Davis’ case it seemed that there was some doubt he liked to play the game. How do you miss that?
While the Bears had a ton of holes to fill when Poles assumed their GM position, their poor offensive line play is still somewhat of an indictment of him.
The trade for Montez Sweat was generally looked at as a home run at the time. And it still looks pretty good, but Sweat has dropped off this season.
Beyond the hiring of Matt Eberflus, Poles’ resume isn’t spotless. We will see what it looks like by the end of the season.
Offensive guru, or leader of men?
The Bears are looking for someone with great leadership skills, as well as someone who can be a mentor for Caleb Williams. The general consensus seems to be to get an offensive guy.
However, the team seems to desperately need leadership. Maybe a call to Mike Vrabel would be in order. Immediately.
