During his weekly meeting with the leadership council of the Chicago Bears on Wednesday, Matt Eberflus and the players had much to discuss as they processed the tough 18-15 loss to the Washington Commanders, decided in the final moments.
Only two days prior, following the defeat triggered by Jayden Daniels’ dramatic 52-yard Hail Mary pass, numerous players among the Bears’ eight captains expressed their concerns publicly regarding some coaching decisions made in the fourth quarter.
This Wednesday gathering provided them with an opportunity to share their thoughts with Eberflus, who has been subject to considerable external criticism regarding the defense’s performance during the Commanders’ final drive.
“It’s just a partnership,” stated tight end Marcedes Lewis. “From our perspective as players, we recognize that (the coaches) have their responsibilities, too. It’s up to the captains and leaders to grasp the situation and express our concerns constructively. That’s our goal—collaborating on what we need to accomplish, and I believe we’re doing remarkably well.”
“Winning in this league is tough. There will be ups and downs, moments of joy and disappointment, and we simply have to fight through it.”
The leadership council first gained attention after consecutive losses to the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts, when players became increasingly vocal about their discontent with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Eventually, the players met with Waldron to discuss their feelings. Subsequently, the Bears managed to secure three consecutive victories, albeit against weaker opponents.
Now, the Bears are approaching a critical phase in their schedule, with two upcoming matches against the more manageable Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots before entering NFC North competitions.
Quarterback Caleb Williams characterized the meeting as a “grown-man talk,” during which both players and Eberflus communicated their perspectives on the challenges faced.
Williams appreciates that the Bears feature many passionate and assertive veteran players willing to express their opinions openly.
“One principle I follow is that poor teams lack leadership; good teams have coaches in charge, whereas great teams have players leading the way,” Williams remarked. “We need to discover ways to improve for ourselves. There were instances during that game requiring better execution. It could be my drop, the depth of a route, hand placement, or ensuring your helmet isn’t aligned incorrectly against the defender, which hinders our movement. Players must first focus on what they can correct before assigning blame or making excuses and ensure that they’re performing effectively.
“From there, we’ll continue to communicate and enhance our collaboration between coaches and players.”
Week 8 photos: Washington Commanders 18, Chicago Bears 15
On Monday, player comments were particularly significant as many echoed the sentiments of numerous fans. Safety Kevin Byard mentioned that players were still processing their emotions from the game, wearing their hearts on their sleeves during interviews, less than 24 hours after the Hail Mary play.
During a conference call, Byard informed reporters that he discussed the defensive play call for the Commanders’ penultimate play with Eberflus, where the Bears conceded a 13-yard completion to Terry McLaurin in the middle of the field, allowing him to step out of bounds.
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson expressed on WSCR-AM 670 his thoughts about whether the Bears should have taken a timeout prior to the Hail Mary for better preparation.
the play.
Wide receiver DJ Moore expressed his astonishment during a separate interview with 670 that the Bears chose to execute a handoff to offensive lineman Doug Kramer on third-and-goal at the 1-yard line while the game was on the line.
Tight end Cole Kmet addressed reporters, stating that Tyrique Stevenson’s momentary lapse in focus on the final play serves as a crucial lesson for players regarding the consequences of failing to respect the game, an issue he noted had arisen during practices earlier in the week.
Eberflus indicated that while he welcomes players to share their opinions respectfully, he prefers those discussions to occur privately between the parties involved.
“We promote a policy of open communication,” Eberflus stated. “As long as it’s conducted respectfully and aligns with our commitment to winning, then I fully support it.”
Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) makes a turnover gesture as Bears offensive linemen are piled on the ground after Doug Kramer Jr. fumbled on a handoff at the goal line in the fourth quarter. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Moore mentioned that Eberflus had spoken to his captains about being mindful of their words during public forums like interviews. Although Moore confessed he answered truthfully regarding the Kramer play, he indicated that in the future, he would likely refrain from such comments in interviews.
“Next time, it needs to stay in-house,” Moore articulated. “I’m not apologizing for what I said, but it should have remained confidential. However, I stand by my words.”
The players’ candid comments on Monday coincided with Eberflus’s minimal second-guessing of his in-game decisions during his interaction with reporters.
Nonetheless, on Wednesday, the coach made an effort to clarify that he is also holding himself accountable.
In his opening remarks during the news conference, Eberflus emphasized that the Bears had conducted their customary weekly “after-action report,” in which they examine the aspects that went well and those requiring improvement — this includes input from the coaching staff. He stressed that it’s “all about accountability and execution, and that starts with me.”
The way the Bears lost, coupled with the decisions that resulted in the Commanders’ demoralizing final drive, has garnered considerable attention from both local and national media towards Eberflus. Consequently, the atmosphere within the organization regarding the coach was also discussed on Wednesday.
When asked how he maintains the belief of his players, Eberflus responded, “I’m going to be the man I’ve always been and the leader I’ve always been and just remain steady throughout this process. We’re a team that’s evolving, and we’re improving, and we’ll navigate through this adversity.”
However, Eberflus also encouraged reporters to speak with the players about their trust in him.
“I still believe in him as a coach,” Byard expressed. “I respect him as a person. I value the fact that he allows us to share our thoughts in these meetings and similar discussions. I’ve been part of another team where that wasn’t the case; he’s open to feedback from players, not just criticism. I still hold him in high regard, and the players continue to have faith in him. We still have much at stake, and we genuinely feel that as a team and as individuals, we’re a great team, and we’re going to be where we need to be.”
When Johnson was posed the question of his belief in Eberflus, he matter-of-factly replied, “Yeah, he is our head coach.”
“That’s honestly part of the job,” Johnson noted. “It’s similar to the discussions surrounding the quarterback situation when everyone asks, ‘Are you behind Justin (Fields)?’ ‘He is our quarterback. He is who we are backing.’ Regardless of who takes that position, who’s in our locker room, or who our coaches are, that is who we trust to guide us towards a championship.”
Coaches and players are quickly shifting their focus to the Cardinals, viewing it as the first step toward regaining their momentum. Moore confidently asserted that “the sky isn’t falling.”
“To the media, it may seem like it’s falling due to how we lost or whatever,” Moore said. “But everyone here is just fine and ready to get back on a winning streak.”
Originally Published: October 30, 2024 at 6:19 PM CDT
Bears Coaches and Players Address Concerns After Heartbreaking Hail Mary Loss to Commanders
Overview of the Game
In a thrilling matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Chicago Bears faced the Washington Commanders in a game that ended in heartbreak. A last-second Hail Mary pass from the Commanders led to a stunning defeat for the Bears, raising significant concerns among coaches and players. This article delves into the aftermath of the game, featuring insights from players, coaching staff reactions, and analysis of the key moments that led to this heartbreaking loss.
Key Takeaways from the Game
The game showcased several pivotal moments that ultimately defined the Bears’ fate:
- Overlooked Opportunities: The Bears had multiple chances to secure a win but failed to capitalize on key plays.
- Defensive Lapses: The last-minute defensive strategy came under scrutiny after the Hail Mary completion.
- Offensive Struggles: Despite strong individual performances, the Bears struggled to maintain a consistent offensive rhythm.
Coaches’ Reactions
After the game, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus addressed the media, highlighting the need for improvement. Here are some of his key points:
On Defensive Strategy: “We need to tighten our coverage during critical moments. Letting a play like that happen is unacceptable.”
On Offensive Execution: “We had opportunities to seal the game, and we need to execute better in crucial situations.”
Defensive Concerns
Defensive coordinator Alan Williams also spoke about the team’s need to enhance its late-game strategies. Key issues identified included:
- Lack of communication among defensive players during crucial moments.
- Inadequate coverage on the final play, allowing the Commanders to exploit a gap.
- Missed tackles and penalties that contributed to extended drives for the opposition.
Players’ Perspectives
Players expressed their disappointment yet remained optimistic about the path forward. Quarterback Justin Fields stated:
“Every game is a learning experience. We will analyze what went wrong and come back stronger. We have to stay focused as a team.”
Highlights from the Locker Room
Other notable player comments included:
- Wide Receiver Darnell Mooney: “We have to trust each other more. These late-game situations require total focus.”
- Linebacker Roquan Smith: “It’s tough to lose like this, but it’s also a reminder of what we need to improve.”
Analyzing the Hail Mary Play
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Down & Distance | 4th and 10 |
| Time Remaining | 0:04 |
| Quarterback | Sam Howell |
| Receiver | Terry McLaurin |
| Coverage Type | Zone |
This table outlines the critical details of the Hail Mary play that shocked the Bears and their fanbase.
Lessons Learned: Key Areas for Improvement
In the aftermath of the loss, the Bears coaching staff and players are focused on several key areas for improvement:
1. Late-Game Execution
Improving late-game strategies is paramount. This includes better clock management and play execution under pressure.
2. Defensive Communication
Enhancing communication among players, particularly in high-pressure situations, can prevent breakdowns like those witnessed during the final moments of the game.
3. Offensive Cohesion
The offensive unit must establish a stronger connection. Practicing situational football scenarios can help bolster confidence and execution.
Case Study: Similar Past Games
Examining past games with similar heartbreaking losses can provide valuable insights. Here are two notable examples:
- Bears vs. Packers (2018): A last-minute pass led to a loss, prompting similar discussions about defensive coverage and offensive execution.
- Bears vs. Lions (2019): A crucial fumble in the final minutes led to a game-losing touchdown, highlighting the need for ball security and late-game focus.
Practical Tips for Coaches and Players
Based on the analysis and interviews, here are some practical tips for coaches and players moving forward:
- Regular Film Sessions: Review game footage to identify strengths and weaknesses, especially in late-game situations.
- Situational Drills: Implement practice drills focused on specific game scenarios to improve team preparedness.
- Team Bonding Activities: Foster stronger relationships among players to enhance on-field communication and trust.
Fan Reactions and Community Support
The Bears’ fan base has shown resilience and support despite the disappointing loss. Social media channels were abuzz with reactions, including:
- Encouragement for the team to learn from the defeat and move forward.
- Calls for improved defensive strategies to avoid similar situations in the future.
- Expressions of pride in the team’s effort despite the outcome.
Conclusion
As the Chicago Bears regroup and prepare for the upcoming games, the lessons learned from this heartbreaking Hail Mary loss will serve as critical teaching moments. With a focus on improvement in late-game execution, communication, and offensive cohesion, the Bears aim to bounce back stronger and more unified. Fans remain hopeful as the team continues to strive for success on the field.
