Plenty of Chicago Bears fans already aren’t happy with Matt Eberflus. That is probably because the team is 2-3 when many of them had hoped this could be a sleeper playoff team. That was always a long shot. The reality is this is a rebuilding team. Ryan Poles made that clear when he jettisoned over half of the roster in the off-season. The goal moving forward was simple. Focus on the young players and hopefully develop some of them into capable contributors.
Former player Brian Baldinger of NFL Network is already a big fan of his approach. He reviewed the tape from Sunday’s close loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Aside from the exciting progress of Justin Fields, Baldinger also noticed how many young guys were making significant contributions to the comeback effort. It was rookie Dominique Robinson blocking a field goal. It was cornerback Kindle Vildor grabbing a huge interception. Then there was rookie Velus Jones scoring a TD. Guys were stepping up.
.@bears HEY; YO; are you really watching what’s going on? These are 4 kids all making plays…all showing up…this was a helluva battle at US Bank..This Eberflus guy is getting these players to believe. I am a big fan. Can’t wait for next game. #dabears #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/s9l6KnCWUQ
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) October 11, 2022
Matt Eberflus has done a stellar job being patient.
That is often the hardest thing for a head coach. They want to win. That often makes it easy to justify playing more experienced guys. Matt Nagy had that problem for years. Even when it was clear a rookie was the better option, he’d still opt for the veteran. Not Eberflus. He is committed to giving young guys real opportunities when it’s determined they’ve earned them. That is why Braxton Jones is the starting left tackle. It’s why Kyler Gordon and Jaquan Brisker are manning the secondary.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
All three have flashed their potential on multiple occasions. Sure they’ve had their down moments. That is inevitable for rookies. However, the experience they gain along the way will only speed up their development. Matt Eberflus knows this. He is working through the struggles with them, continuing to coach up their flaws and always maintaining a high standard for them to meet.
It is confirmation the Bears may have gotten the right guy. Once this roster has more legitimate talent, the team could become a serious problem for the NFC.
