Chicago Bears: 5 biggest takeaways from the Week 9 loss vs. the Saints

The Chicago Bears coaching staff continues to be a lightning rod for criticism.

4. Matt Eberflus’ “HITS principle” isn’t working.

I’ve written a lot about the Chicago Bears coaching staff. I don’t need to repeat myself.

Before I criticize him, Matt Eberflus as a defensive coordinator seems to be good. Ever since he took over, the Chicago Bears’ defense has looked much better. They’ve been aggressive in dialing up pressure (attempting to, anyway), which has been nice to see.

However, Matt Eberflus the head coach still isn’t working out. How can a man who preaches turnovers and plays smart coach a team that is so bad in those areas?

If the argument for a lack of generating turnovers is the talent on the field, I can see that. But there really is no excuse for all of the stupid mistakes that the Chicago Bears make every Sunday.

You can’t stand on the principle of playing smart while coaching a team that leads the league in penalties. You just can’t.

Moreover, his press conferences are becoming painful to watch. Nobody says less while saying as much as Matt Eberflus does. There seems to be little transparency or accountability. His win/loss record continues to speak for itself.

5. The 2024 NFL Draft cannot come soon enough for the Chicago Bears.

With the Panthers’ loss to the Colts yesterday coupled with the Bears’ loss to the Saints, the Chicago Bears currently have the number 2 and 3 picks in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.

I know it’s depressing to think about the draft this far in advance, but that’s where we are now. This season is dead in the water.

Other than using the rest of the games to evaluate Justin Fields if healthy, there is little to be excited about. Watching Chicago Bears football will always be fun, but the season itself is a wash.

I don’t necessarily want the Bears to tank because all of the losing has been depressing. It would be nice to see a few more wins before we head back into football hibernation.

However, each win at this point (other than against Carolina this Thursday) damages the Chicago Bears’ future. This team must get the best blue-chip talent they can get in the draft.

Having two top 5 picks could be exactly what the Chicago Bears need to return to relevancy.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel, Bears fans. Unfortunately, that light probably comes in 2024, not 2023.