With how discombobulated they played, the Chicago Bears had no business beating the Washington Commanders on Sunday. Then, led by Caleb Williams, they scored an unanswered 15 points and held a 15-12 lead with just 23 seconds left. In almost every situation, it should’ve been a surefire victory from then on.
Then Chicago head Matt Eberflus’ decision-making reared its ugly head to set up Jayden Daniels’ heroic, game-winning Hail Mary. (Wait, was there a hold?)
First, Eberflus’ mandate around a prevent defense literally gifted Washington a free 13 yards to get closer for a reasonable deep shot. (Why would you ever let them get closer for free?) Then, rather than call any of his three timeouts to organize the Chicago defense and get everyone set up in an optimal way, Eberflus let things lie, setting up ideal circumstances for Daniels to have nearly 13 seconds of time before launching his desperate, game-winning throw.
This was especially problematic because Eberflus had linebacker T.J. Edwards lined up as a quarterback spy (ON A HAIL MARY) while also keeping some of his shorter defenders on the field. The Bears would then only rush three players. That’s not abnormal for a Hail Mary. What is abnormal is that Montez Sweat — Chicago’s best pass-rusher by far — was not on the field. Oh, and the Bears’ players on the field really let someone get behind them on a last-ditch play.
Basically, if Eberflus had used ANY of his timeouts, he would’ve likely prevented the perfect conditions for a Hail Mary.
Eberflus’ reaction on the sideline after the fact almost understates his completely inept failure to prepare his team with the game on the line:
Matt Eberflus on sideline after hail mary pic.twitter.com/2suhRLyj2J
— ✶ Ⓜ️𝕒𝕣𝕔𝕦𝕤 ▶️ ✶ (@_MarcusD3_) October 27, 2024
The Bears had no business winning this game. But a heroic effort from their defense and a gutsy finish by their quarterback had them in position to steal it. Then Eberflus’ late-game coaching decisions threw it all away.
Eberflus is now 3-17 on the road in his Bears coaching career. He just might not be built for this.