Could Lions Upset Spell the End for Matt Eberflus?
Justin Fields made his comeback this Sunday in Detroit, where for the majority of the game, the Bears had the upper hand against the NFC North's top team, the Lions.
However, in a dramatic twist, the Bears squandered a 12-point lead with just over four minutes remaining, culminating in a loss of historical significance.
This collapse, monumental in scope, raises urgent questions about the trajectory of the team's rebuild and the key components that constitute its core, including players and coaching staff.
The focus of this week's discussion is on Matt Eberflus' tenure and the extent to which the Detroit disaster may influence his future with the team. It's hard to see this as an overreaction.
I've been of the mindset that Matt Eberflus' position is secure. Several factors suggest he'll see a third year.
Ryan Poles, the general manager, appears to be a firm believer in Eberflus' capabilities. The defensive strides made under his leadership are notable. And the Bears' dismal 3-14 record from the previous season doesn't seem to be held against him�rightly so.
Yet, the debacle in Detroit could be a pivotal moment that sways opinions. The Bears' conservative play in the fourth quarter was indefensible.
Consider the moment when the Bears failed a third-and-1 quarterback sneak in the last quarter. Earlier, Eberflus had taken risks on fourth downs, but at that juncture, he opted for a field goal to increase the lead�a reasonable decision.
Later, with a commanding lead, Justin Fields' 29-yard dash had the Bears poised to cement their lead. Instead, they chose caution over aggression, settling for another field goal.
Eberflus' decision to call a timeout as the Lions edged to the 1-yard line with 31 seconds left is also up for debate. The timeout was intended to save time for the Bears' offense, but it may have been wiser to pressure the Lions, who had no timeouts left, into a rushed play.
The choice to limit Montez Sweat to just 63 percent of plays, and Dylan Cole's single defensive snap, which led to the Lions' first touchdown, are further points of contention.
If I were to wager (and I occasionally do), I'd bet on Eberflus staying after the season ends. The Bears have feasible victories ahead. Finishing 5-12 marks progress, and Poles is aware that this is a rebuilding phase.
However, if the collapse against the Lions triggers a downward spiral, it could very well spell the end for Eberflus.
| POLL | ||
22 NOVEMBRE | 41 ANSWERS Could Lions Upset Spell the End for Matt Eberflus? Will Matt Eberflus finish the season as the Bears' head coach? | ||
| yes | 27 | 65.9 % |
| No | 14 | 34.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
