**Bears Predicted to Fire Matt Eberflus Following Lions Thanksgiving Game: Reviewing the Team’s Current Struggles**
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As the Chicago Bears head into their traditional Thanksgiving matchup against the Detroit Lions, speculation about the future of head coach Matt Eberflus has reached a fever pitch. With the Bears sitting near the bottom of the NFC North and showing little improvement over the course of the 2023 season, many are predicting that this game could be a turning point. If the Bears falter against their division rivals on national television, it might signal the end of Eberflus’ tenure in Chicago.
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Eberflus, who was hired in 2022 to rebuild a defense-first identity for the Bears, has faced mounting criticism throughout the season for a variety of reasons. From questionable in-game decisions to underwhelming performances on both sides of the ball, his coaching has come under intense scrutiny. With the Bears struggling to find consistency, many are now predicting that a loss to the Lions could be the final straw for Eberflus’ tenure.
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### The Struggles Under Matt Eberflus
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When Matt Eberflus was hired as the 17th head coach in Chicago Bears history, he came with a reputation as a disciplined, defensive-minded leader. His tenure began with the hope that he could revive a Bears defense that had been inconsistent for years. However, nearly two seasons into his reign, the results have been underwhelming, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
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While Eberflus’ defensive philosophy focuses on creating turnovers and playing fast, the Bears have often looked disorganized and susceptible to big plays. Chicago’s defense, which was expected to be one of the team’s strengths, has been a major weakness, particularly against high-powered offenses. The Bears have struggled to generate pressure on the quarterback, and their secondary has been torched in key moments. Despite the additions of players like linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and defensive lineman Yannick Ngakoue, the defense has failed to make the necessary improvements.
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On offense, while there have been flashes of potential, the Bears’ attack has been inconsistent. Justin Fields, the team’s promising young quarterback, has shown growth at times, but injuries and a lack of offensive line protection have limited his ability to truly develop. The offensive game plan has often been criticized for lacking creativity, and the play-calling has been a frequent point of frustration. With Fields and the rest of the offense failing to consistently execute, the pressure on Eberflus to improve the overall product has intensified.
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### The Thanksgiving Game: A Make-or-Break Moment?
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The Bears’ matchup against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day could be a pivotal moment in the future of Matt Eberflus. The Lions, who have emerged as one of the most exciting teams in the NFC this season, sit atop the NFC North with a potent offense and an improved defense. The Bears, meanwhile, have struggled to maintain competitiveness in the division, and a loss to the Lions could be seen as the final nail in the coffin for Eberflus.
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A defeat to Detroit, particularly if it’s a lopsided loss, could fuel further calls for Eberflus’ job. While the Bears have been competitive in some games this season, the inability to win divisional matchups has exposed the team’s flaws. As the Bears have already dropped multiple games to NFC North opponents, losing to the Lions would exacerbate concerns about Eberflus’ ability to get his team up for key divisional games. The Bears’ performance on Thanksgiving would be a reflection of their ability to adapt, improve, and make adjustments — areas where Eberflus has come under fire throughout his tenure.
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### The Pressure from Ownership and the Fanbase
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As the season progresses, pressure is mounting not only from fans but from ownership as well. Bears’ fans have grown increasingly impatient with the lack of progress under Eberflus. Chicago’s storied history as a football city has led to high expectations, and the team’s continued mediocrity has taken its toll on the fanbase. The Bears’ management, led by general manager Ryan Poles, will have to weigh the team’s current state, including the coaching situation, when making decisions about the future.
The national spotlight of a Thanksgiving Day game against the Lions only heightens the pressure on the coaching staff. If the Bears fail to show signs of improvement or a clear game plan against a team they’ll be competing with in the division for years to come, it will be harder for ownership to justify keeping Eberflus. With many other potential coaching candidates available and several star quarterbacks expected to enter the draft, including Caleb Williams, the Bears’ leadership will have to decide if Eberflus is the right coach to develop the next generation of talent.
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### The Case for Moving On
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Despite some initial optimism after the 2022 season, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Matt Eberflus may not be the right fit for this Bears team. His inability to adjust on both sides of the ball, especially during critical moments in games, has been a consistent issue. Additionally, his failure to develop Justin Fields into a consistent, reliable quarterback, along with the struggles to build a competent offensive scheme, makes it hard to see a clear path forward with Eberflus at the helm.
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Furthermore, the inability of the Bears’ defense to improve, despite the acquisition of key players like linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue, points to a deeper issue with the team’s coaching staff. Defensive-minded head coaches are expected to have a positive impact on their team’s defense, and under Eberflus, the Bears’ defense has often been a liability rather than a strength. If the defense continues to fail against high-powered offenses, it will be difficult for Eberflus to remain in Chicago.
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### What’s Next for the Bears?
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With the Thanksgiving game looming, the Bears’ coaching staff will be under intense scrutiny. If the Bears lose to the Lions in a convincing manner, expect calls for Eberflus’ dismissal to intensify. Ryan Poles, who has made strides in building up the Bears’ roster, may be forced to make a tough decision to ensure the long-term future of the franchise.
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As the season winds down, the Bears will have to evaluate whether a change at head coach is necessary to fully unlock the potential of their young players, including Justin Fields, and whether a new direction could spark the team’s growth. While Eberflus has shown flashes of promise, the results simply haven’t matched the expectations. If the Bears’ Thanksgiving loss to the Lions ends in disappointment, it could very well mark the end of the Matt Eberflus era in Chicago.