The fallout from the Hail Mary loss is significant as the Chicago Bears players have started openly questioning head coach Matt Eberflus' strategy on Monday.
After a mind-boggling interview on Monday with ESPN 1000, Eberflus took a more measured approach on Wednesday when he took ownership of the loss. But it's too little too late. The damage is already done. What does it say when the players seem to understand and take accountability more than the coaching staff?
A new wardrobe and growing a beard will never be able to mask his deficiency not only as a head coach but even as a human being.
1. Ryan Poles may need to address the week that was for the Bears.
Ryan Poles and Eberflus share the same agent, Trace Armstrong, a former Bears defensive end and former NFLPA president. Eberflus's attitude this week better be a wake-up call for him. The fans hope sharing the same agent will not cloud his judgment when determining Eberflus' future. You can't ignore this many players openly speaking out and bringing back Eberflus in the name of continuity in 2025.
2. Shane Waldron regresses as a play caller
For as bad as Matt Eberflus' press conferences were on Monday and Wednesday, fans were just as upset with Shane Waldron's presser on Thursday. During the press conference, Waldron did not appear to have any regret over calling for an offensive lineman to get the ball on a goal-line play.
Shane Waldron doubled down on the Doug Kramer handoff. 😳 pic.twitter.com/qlcYW8B3sA
— Bears on CHSN (@CHSN_Bears) November 1, 2024
It seemed like Waldron was casting the blame of the play on the operation, including questioning the handoff between Caleb Williams and Kramer.
Eberflus can preach accountability all he wants. But the players and the fans found out this week, it does not exist inside Halas Hall and it rings hollow as long as Eberflus is in charge.
3.Prediction For Bears vs Cardinals.
A few weeks ago, this game looked like a win for the Bears. But after all the distraction they went through this week and the injuries starting to grow, it does not look encouraging.
The good news is that the Cardinals' pass rush is among the worst in the league. The Bears' patched-up offensive line, where Larry Borom is expected to start at left tackle, must step up their game and give Williams a chance to make plays. If the Bears' offensive line can't adequately protect Williams against the Cardinals, it is a DEFCON-1 for Ryan Poles, and he must work the phone the last two days to add more help on the offensive line.
Limiting Marvin Harrison Jr. is very important. But the Bears must limit tight end Trey McBride who is a rising star and a safety blanket for Kyler Murray.
Bears are first in defensive success rate in base defense so this is going to be a heavy weight fight https://t.co/AoaeS5oY6j
— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) November 1, 2024
Even on the road, the Bears fans travel well, and I expect the State Farm Stadium to be 60-70% Bears fans. The Bears will need their support the entire game, even after the tumultuous week they went through, during which many fans officially gave up on Matt Eberflus.
But if the Bears lose to Arizona on Sunday though, the season could spiral out of control quickly. The Bears must not let Stevenson's antics define the season. They must rise to the occasion.