For all the correct reasons why it was time for the Chicago Bears to fire Matt Eberflus as the team's head coach, lost in the decision was that Eberflus was also the team's defensive play-caller.
In light of Eberflus' firing, defensive coordinator Eric Washington was promoted to calling the plays for the Bears defense. If the San Francisco 49ers' first drive on Sunday is any indication, Eberflus is getting the first laugh.
The 49ers made easy work of the Bears' defense with most of the damage coming with the arm of quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy completed all four of his passes to open Sunday's game, capping the drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jauan Jennings
The goal for the Bears was to open Sunday's game with energy, with the idea being that Thomas Brown making his debut as the team's head coach would get the team back on track following a six-game losing streak to close out Eberflus' tenure.
For all the went wrong with the Bears in Eberflus' final weeks as the team's head coach, the defense remained the strength of the team. While there struggles against the run and Eberflus' preventive nature in play-calling led to plays being given up in soft coverage, the unit has been strong enough to keep the Bears' in games during their recent losing streak.
Sunday's opening drive against the 49ers may be a reminder that the Bears' defensive look may change following this season. Under Eberflus, the Bears ran a cover-2 defense that was designed to bend but not break. Break is exactly what the defense did to open Sunday's game against the 49ers.
