Coach’s Accountability in Game-Snapping Blunder as Bears Suffer 6th Consecutive Loss
Following a loss on Thursday, the Bears’ head coach met with the team president and general manager, a routine post-game practice. However, it’s unclear what positive adjustments came out of this meeting as the team struggled yet again.
The Bears began slowly on Sunday, but an end-of-half fumble changed the tide of the game. Caleb Williams led the team with three second-half touchdowns, placing the Bears in position to either tie or win in regulation. Despite a last-second opportunity, the Bears were unable to capitalize due to poor clock management by coach Matt Eberflus.
Eberflus revealed that he elected not to call an immediate timeout after a sack with 32 seconds remaining, instead choosing to get one last play off before utilizing a clock-stopping timeout. Unfortunately, Williams drained too much time before snapping the ball, leaving the team with just six seconds left and an opportunity lost.
“I watched the whole last drive with (offensive coordinator) Thomas (Brown) this morning,” Eberflus said, placing the blame on penalties for the team’s failed opportunities. “Ultimately all these decisions are my decisions. I take full accountability for them. We didn’t get it done and it’s unfortunate for the players, for the fans, and again we’re gonna get back to work.”
With the team now riding a six-game losing streak and dropping to 4-8, it seems as though Eberflus’ job security may be increasingly tenuous. His third season at the helm has resulted in yet another 4-or-fewer win start to the season, with four straight seasons of mediocrity marking the tenure. The Bears will now prepare for their next matchup with the San Francisco 49ers.
