Matt Eberflus Sent A Sharp Message To The Bears Defense

Most of the talk at Matt Eberflus’ Wednesday press conference centered on Justin Fields and the stagnant Chicago Bears passing game. That isn’t a surprise, mere days after the quarterback threw for only 70 yards in Green Bay. Eberflus acknowledged the performance wasn’t what the coaches hoped for and adjustments are needed. Still, he didn’t seem overly panicked about the situation. The team remains confident Fields can figure things out with more time and work.

However, Chicago’s defense couldn’t avoid Eberflus’ harsh criticisms. The head coach was asked about the poor tackling performance the unit put on against the Packers. It was a significant factor in why they ran for over 200 yards. One reporter asked him what the problems were and if the coaching staff was a bit more tolerant of such issues early in the season. Eberflus was quick to shut that down.

He will never, ever be tolerant of players executing below his standards.

Matt Eberflus continues to set the tone for this team.

He isn’t calling specific guys out. That isn’t what good coaches do. His job is to make sure everybody gets the message. The tackling on Sunday night was terrible. It also won’t be acceptable moving forward. It comes down to technique issues. Eberflus said guys are coming in way too high on their attempts, allowing strong backs like Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon to run through them. The best way to get runners on the ground is by taking out their legs.

Players better learn to execute that way. Otherwise, Matt Eberflus will find somebody who will. He will never sacrifice his standards for anybody. Either you do it the right way, or you don’t play. That might seem harsh, but it’s how things must be done. Grading on a curve in the NFL is the fastest way to losing your job. Hopefully, everyone in that defensive locker room got the message.