Chicago Bears and Matt Eberflus' offseason dilemma
Matt Eberflus just concluded a tough first year as the Chicago Bears' head coach:
- 10 straight losses.
- The Chicago Bears under a defensive coach allowed the most points this past NFL season.
- Development of Justin Fields in question due to injuries and the Bears securing the #1 overall pick.
The Chicago Bears' developing defensive identity
NFL Defenses 2022 https://t.co/MoUhlJMSuo
Matt Eberflus is a modern defensive play caller who focuses on stopping the pass game, even if it means selling out the run defense. This strategy worked well in the passing era. The Chicago Bears had a borderline average passing defense as a result of Eberflus' scheme but suffered in the run.
The Chicago Bears ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed and 32nd in rushing touchdowns allowed in the NFL. The Bears let go of notable run defenders Khalil Mack, Akiem Hicks and Danny Trevathan this past offseason as Eberflus kickstarted a rebuild on the defensive side of the ball. The Bears switched to a 4-3 scheme that is supposed to put pressure on the interior of the offensive line (guards/centers), which should free up space for linebackers to roam.
The pressure forces the QB to throw on the run/off platform to a secondary focused on turnovers. The system in Eberflus' first year was built on young players and unproven stars, and it failed to achieve the desired results.
The Bears defensive front ranked dead last in QB pressures. Despite the lack of help from upfront, the Bears were still able to force turnovers at a league-average level. This is positive for Eberflus as better play from the defensive line may mean even more turnovers.
As Eberflus enters his second year, investments on the defensive line will be necessary for his system to take off. This upcoming offseason, the Chicago Bears are slated to have over $110 million in salary cap space and the top overall pick.
Using these resources, the front office can reshape the roster in Eberflus' vision, but is it worth it? In the modern offensive passing era, is it worth it to go all in on the defensive side of the ball?
Concerns about Justin Fields' development
Star dual-threat QB Justin Fields had an up-and-down rookie season. The second-year QB emerged as a big play threat, but inconsistencies in his passing game and a lack of credible weapons around him made every drive feel like a slog. An invested front office looks to address these weaknesses by investing on offense, but how can the Bears front office do this when head coach Matt Eberflus' defense needs resources spent on the defensive frontline? The front office is at a crossroads.
Modern defensive play callers are a dime-a-dozen. Meanwhile, a franchise QB is rare. If the Bears' front office believes Justin Fields has MVP potential, they should push all resources toward his development. Since the NFL is in an offensive era, the Bears would be keeping to franchise traditions by investing on defense. However, they would be acting out of time in the modern NFL.
The worth and impact of a great defense is minimalized in this offensive era. Just ask the Patriots under Bill Belichick or the Steelers under Mike Tomlin. A well-performing/well-oiled defensive unit will be held out the playoffs by their own team's inept offense.
The Chicago Bears have not fired their first-year head coach and look set to continue investing in his development, but it may come at the cost of his current QB’s development.