Tyrique Stevenson Just Raised Further Concerns About Matt Eberflus

Leadership was one of the primary characteristics driving the Chicago Bears’ coaching search last off-season. They wanted somebody who could be a culture-changer. Somebody who could hold everybody in the building to a high standard. Matt Eberflus came from the same coaching tree as Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith. He built his foundation on hard work, intensity, and intelligence. However, that leadership part of things is starting to come into question as the Bears seem to be falling apart with remarkable speed over the first few weeks of the 2023 season.

This is both on and off the field. His defense is ranked among the worst in the NFL through two weeks, while quarterback Justin Fields seems to have regressed in every facet of his game. Now controversies are popping up off the field, too. Fields expressed frustration with the coaching for making him too robotic. If that weren’t bad enough, defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned under mysterious circumstances. All the while, Eberflus hasn’t any sort of comments one can deem forthright. It’s becoming clearer by the day that he’s lost control of the situation.

Rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson didn’t help that perception when asked if Eberflus had even talked to the players about the Williams situation.

Matt Eberflus seems more and more out of his depth.

Now, in the interest of fairness, it’s possible Eberflus might not be able to divulge information on the Williams situation because of ongoing rumors that law enforcement is involved. Even so, one would think it might be wise to tell your players as much as you can so they aren’t left speculating and confused. Maybe Eberflus is trying to project an air of calm but keeping things as normal as possible ahead of Kansas City. However, seeing GM Ryan Poles immediately address the media on all subjects would suggest maybe this coach doesn’t know how to handle the situation he’s in.

This reeks of another Marc Trestman situation. The former head coach had certain qualities you liked. He was an even-keeled guy with a strong offensive background and a winning pedigree from his time in Canada. However, it became clear remarkably fast that he wasn’t prepared for the volatile locker room and high-pressure atmosphere the NFL can be. Matt Eberflus projects similar qualities. Even-keel temperament and a thoughtful approach to the job. However, he doesn’t seem to have the charisma and leadership qualities necessary to stop this ship from sinking.