30 Most Important Bears of 2022: No. 2 Matt Eberflus

The Chicago Bears are gearing up for the 2022 NFL season, which features plenty of new and returning faces within the organization. There are a number of players, coaches and front office members that are crucial to the team’s success this season.

Every day from now until the start of training camp, we’re counting down our 30 most important Bears for the 2022 season. We’ll recap their 2021 season, look ahead to 2022 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year.

Next up at No. 2 is head coach Matt Eberflus, who’s looking to help his team exceed expectations in his first season.

Background

AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

Position: Head coach

Age: 52

Experience: 1st season as HC (14th season in NFL)

2022 cap hit: N/A

2021 recap

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Eberflus was brought to Indianapolis by Josh McDaniels, who bowed out of the Colts head coach job in 2018. Eberflus stayed on with Frank Reich, where he went on to serve as their defensive coordinator for four seasons. Eberflus was instrumental in turning around a unit that ranked 29th in 2017 and became the 11th best defense in the league in his first year. He was praised for his leadership style and being a detail-oriented coach, as well as his connecting with his players and ability to cater a defense’s strengths to fit his scheme.

It was a tough 2021 season for the Colts, which culminated in an embarrassing 26-11 loss to the two-win Jaguars that cost them a chance at a playoff berth. The Colts defense allowed 26.5 points per game, which was tied for the ninth-most in the NFL. But one area where Eberflus’ defense thrived was taking the ball away. Indianapolis had 33 takeaways, which was the second-most in the league behind only the Cowboys at 34. Linebacker Darius Leonard, who signed a hefty contract extension earlier that year, showed why he was worth the money with another All-Pro and Pro Bowl season.

2022 outlook

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Like Poles, Eberflus inherited a rough situation. The Bears overhauled their roster, which included losing some key veterans and a lot of one-year, prove-it deals. Eberflus assembled an intriguing coaching staff, including offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, who will be instrumental in Justin Fields’ development. Safe to say, there aren’t high expectations for this team in 2022. While Chicago most likely isn’t postseason bound, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this team overachieve with Eberflus at the helm.

One thing that Eberflus already has going for him is the fact that he’s not Matt Nagy, and that’s proving to be true in every aspect. That includes Eberflus taking a step back and overseeing the team as a whole. He won’t call plays on defense, leaving that up to his defensive coordinator Alan Williams. Eberflus has already established a new culture in Chicago, which includes clear expectations and standards, along with accountability that has players singing Eberflus’ praises.

Of course, the real test will come during the regular season, where there are sure to be plenty of ups and downs. How Eberflus’ team responds — be it to adversity or coming off a bye week, for example — will say a lot about him as a coach.

Big question: Can Eberflus get the most out of this roster?

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

There’s no denying that the Bears have one of the worst rosters in the NFL. Which was to be expected as general manager Ryan Poles rebuilds the roster. While Chicago improved at positions like cornerback and safety, there are concerns at wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line and linebacker. It’s not exactly conducive to immediate success or helpful for a young quarterback in Justin Fields looking to take a step forward. But the goal is the long game, which means there are going to be some bumps along the way in 2022.

The hope is Eberflus will be able to help his team exceed already-dismal expectations, which should be helped by a favorable schedule that’s among the easiest in the league. Eberflus has been able to get the most out of the roster during his time as the Colts defensive coordinator, and it’s something that should certainly benefit position groups of concern on defense. There aren’t many analysts around the league who believe in the Bears this season. But a strong coach can help his team exceed expectations, something fans will be watching with Eberflus this season.

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30 Most Important Bears of 2022

We’re counting down our 30 Most Important Bears of 2022. Check back every day leading up to the start of training camp.

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