Frustration is mounting in the Windy City as the Chicago Bears endured their third consecutive defeat on Sunday, falling 19-3 to the New England Patriots. The listless offensive performance has head coach Matt Eberflus openly contemplating changes “from top to bottom”, including potentially at the key offensive coordinator position.
“We’re looking at everything,” Eberflus acknowledged when asked if playcalling duties could be reassigned. The Bears have failed to find the endzone in two straight games, mired in an offensive drought that has spanned 23 consecutive drives.
Injury-Riddled O-Line Compounds Concerns
Chicago’s scoring woes on Sunday were exacerbated by a patchwork offensive line decimated by injuries. The Bears took the field minus four linemen, including both starting tackles. Further attrition struck when left guard Teven Jenkins went down with an ankle injury.
The constant duress took a heavy toll on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, who was sacked a staggering nine times by New England. Over the past three games, Williams has been sacked 18 times, enduring the three highest pressure rates of his young career.
Caleb Confident Amid Uncertainty
Despite the turmoil swirling around a potential playcalling change, the rookie signal caller expressed confidence in his adaptability. “They’re not going to re-invent the wheel, in a sense,” Williams noted. “Will I be able to adapt? Yes, I will. We’ll be able to adapt, whatever decision coach makes.”
Disappointing Division Outlook
The slump comes at an inopportune time for Chicago, with a grueling stretch of six division games over the next eight weeks on deck, starting with a Week 11 home date versus the Green Bay Packers. All three NFC North foes currently hold winning records, an ominous sign for a stumbling Bears squad.
I’m not gonna go there. At the end of the day, we’ve got to play better. We’ve got to win.
– Bears safety Kevin Byard on if players still believe in coaching staff
As “Fire Flus” chants rained down from the Soldier Field faithful, Eberflus insisted the external noise won’t shake his resolve to steady the ship. “You’ve got to be strong and courageous throughout it all, look at each other in the eye, tell each other the truth.”
The truth is, the once promising Bears offense that had Chicago buzzing with excitement is now fizzling before our eyes. From playcalling tweaks to depth chart demotions, all options appear to be on the table. The Bears’ brass faces immense pressure to quickly recapture that electric form. Otherwise, those celebratory chants may soon turn to cries for change at every level.
