Reflections on the Chicago Bears’ Season Shift

It’s a bit tricky to recall, but the Chicago Bears were just a play away from a solid 5-2 start last season. That was when Jaden Daniels executed a surprising play that left fans in disbelief and left head coach Matt Eberflus in a tough spot. After that game, he didn’t take much responsibility for the soft defensive coverage that let the loss slip away. Unfortunately, it kind of felt like he didn’t learn anything from it, especially regarding late-game management as the season unfolded.

Things took a downturn quickly after that. The Bears ended up losing ten games in a row, which was quite embarrassing—so much so that the team’s owners decided it was time to make a change at the coaching position mid-season. Chicago has faced its fair share of challenges in the past, but Eberflus’ handling of the situation was particularly disheartening. His game management was questionable at best, and his decision-making during critical moments was often puzzling. The team’s record of 14-32 under his leadership sparked skepticism about yet another QB prospect they had lined up.

This off-season, the Bears made a move by bringing in Ben Johnson, while Eberflus transitioned to the defensive coordinator role with the Dallas Cowboys. It felt like both sides were eager to turn the page—though often it’s painful to watch such changes unfold. Just a few days before the season kicked off, there was a buzz about the former rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the attention he was garnering.

With Eberflus returning to Soldier Field for a game against the Cowboys, it was clear Chicago didn’t need extra motivation. They were already 0-2, especially after a rough loss to the Detroit Lions the previous week. Despite their struggles, it seemed like this could be seen as a fresh start against Eberflus. The Cowboys had just allowed Russell Wilson to throw for an astounding 450 yards and three touchdowns, which wasn’t exactly a comforting thought for Bears fans.

Surprisingly, the Bears pulled it together, defeating the Cowboys 31-14 to mark their first victory in the Ben Johnson era. Eberflus may not have led Williams effectively, but facing his former defense was just what the young quarterback needed to find his footing.

In the game, Williams threw four touchdowns with no interceptions and accumulated 298 passing yards without a sack. Johnson had chosen Chicago over other teams partly because he was eager to work with the upcoming No. 1 draft pick for 2024.

Initially, Williams had some accuracy issues in the first week against the Vikings, and it was hard to be overly optimistic after a tough week two against the Lions. But watching him lead the Bears against the Cowboys was refreshing. Things clicked: the receivers were finding their rhythm all afternoon. It wasn’t shocking that he had a breakout game against a familiar defense he had practiced against last year.

This time, he looked like a QB who knew where to find the soft spots against Eberflus’ zone defense. He almost consistently delivered the passes on time and on target. You can definitely argue about whether Williams truly ranks as a generational talent, but the great QB class of recent years included him as a top pick. Under Eberflus’ guidance, there was a lot of inconsistency, especially as he was often pressured behind a weak offensive line. Yet, there were glimpses of playmaking ability that made him a sought-after prospect, though it was difficult to gauge him fully with the surrounding circumstances.

Now, Johnson is unlocking Williams’ potential, showcasing his remarkable arm strength and creative abilities, which certainly makes for an exciting future.

The Bears still have a considerable journey ahead, but there are promising signs of improvement that were absent last season. It’s always satisfying to see progress, especially against a coach who seemed to stifle that growth previously.

Of course, it’s worth noting that Eberflus can’t be blamed entirely for the Cowboys’ defensive shortcomings. He had hoped to coach someone like Micah Parsons this year, but with him absent, Dallas faced challenges with their pass rush. Without a strong defensive unit, even the best-laid plans can falter.

Regardless, the Bears showed they can secure victories. It seems like Chicago is finally putting together a more dynamic offense. With a talented QB making impressive throws and an inventive head coach designing effective plays, the feeling of the Matt Eberflus era drifting further away is becoming clearer.