How A Stroke Of Bizarre Luck May Save The Chicago Bears' Season

This has unquestionably been one of the strangest weeks in Chicago Bears history. Mere days after falling to the Packers in Week 1, this team has seen not one but two members of the organization step away for personal reasons. Right guard Nate Davis suffered a death in his family, one that occurred after a long battle over the past several months. Then there is defensive coordinator Alan Williams. His reason for stepping away is a mystery. However, he won't make the trip to Tampa Bay. This marks the first time something like this has happened to the Bears.

This stroke of luck, good or bad depending on the perspective, may open the door for a desperately needed rebound win against the Buccaneers. It means head coach Matt Eberflus will take over play calling duties for the first time since leaving as defensive coordinator in Indianapolis. This matters because the man had extensive success at the job across four seasons. In 2021, his defense forced at least two turnovers in 12 games. They allowed 25 or more points in only two of his final eight games there.

Williams' unit has allowed 25 or more in his last 11 games.

The Chicago Bears can expect a more prepared defense.

Eberflus knows what he's doing. He understands the challenges of play calling and grasping situations. He also knows how to motivate guys to play hard for 60 minutes. While Williams isn't a bad coach by any means, he never seemed to have the talent for coordinating. That much was true during his time in Minnesota. This is not to say the Bears will shut down Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers still have a talent advantage with their two stud receivers in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. If the Bears can't at least make quarterback Baker Mayfield uncomfortable, no amount of good calls Eberflus makes will matter.

Don't expect him to suddenly start dialing up lots of blitzes. That is not how this defense is built. Eberflus will coach more effort and better execution from his players. This defense is far from complete, but it is more talented than last year. They're capable of playing a good game. If this holds true, people may look back at this game as the one that may save the Chicago Bears' season. Of course, that depends on if Justin Fields and the offense can score some points.

Reports persist that there is a lot of discontent inside the locker room after last week. We're about to find out how much control Eberflus has over this team.