The Chicago Bears find themselves in turmoil after suffering their sixth straight loss, a 23-20 Thanksgiving Day defeat to the Detroit Lions. Now sitting at 4-8, the Bears’ recent struggles have placed head coach Matt Eberflus directly in the spotlight, with his clock management during the game’s final moments serving as a breaking point for critics.
Final-Seconds Mismanagement
In the closing 33 seconds, Eberflus’ refusal to call the team’s last timeout left fans and players bewildered. The Bears had a chance to secure a tying field goal or even a game-winning touchdown but squandered the opportunity as confusion and a sack derailed their efforts.
Veteran wide receiver DJ Moore voiced what many were thinking: “I don’t know why we didn’t call a timeout.” His sentiment echoed frustration across the team and fan base.
Ryan Clark’s Scathing Critique
Former NFL safety Ryan Clark didn’t hold back, calling Eberflus’ decision-making a “fireable offense” during an appearance on First Take:
“To me, he has absolutely sealed the deal if you’re making decisions and you’re the Chicago Bears on whether or not he should continue being the head coach of this team going forward.”
Clark also highlighted comments from veteran wideout Keenan Allen, who said players executed as instructed, subtly suggesting the failure lay with the coaching staff.
Job Security in Question
Eberflus’ postgame responses to questions about his job security were curt and unconvincing, further fueling speculation that his time with the Bears could soon be up. While his firing seemed likely in January, many now believe it’s a matter of when, not if.
A Broader Pattern of Failure
Critics have noted Eberflus fits a trend of defensive-minded coordinators who’ve struggled in head coaching roles. With the Bears’ collapse in full swing and veteran players publicly questioning leadership decisions, the team appears destined for another offseason reset.
What’s Next?
As the Bears prepare for the final stretch of the season under interim leadership, fans and analysts alike are left wondering how the team can salvage its future and regain competitive footing.