Justin Fields And Matt Eberflus Again Failed To Answer The Bell

People have talked up the pairing of Justin Fields and Matt Eberflus thanks to a recent stretch of success for the Chicago Bears. Their big wins over Detroit and Atlanta suggested the team might finally be turning the corner. However, everybody knew the real test of where this organization was at would be the Green Bay Packers. Fields was 0-5 against them, and Eberflus was 0-3. This was their opportunity to finally flip the script. The team had momentum and confidence. Sadly, none of that matters against the Packers, who once again dismissed the Bears in the season finale.

It was a poor effort all around for the two men. Fields managed only 148 yards passing while taking five sacks, reverting to the timid passer he was earlier in the season. Chicago wasn't able to run the ball, and Green Bay had no problem shutting him down through the air. Eberflus' defense only allowed 17 points, but they were pushed around most of the game, allowing over 400 yards of total offense. Jordan Love threw only five incompletions and was only sacked once.

It feels like GM Ryan Poles and team president Kevin Warren have their answers.

Justin Fields and Matt Eberflus aren't good enough.

Poles and Warren constantly talk about how the Bears have their eyes on winning championships. Meanwhile, the team they continue to lose against the team that stands most directly in their path. Until they find people who are capable of at least beating the Packers, the idea of a Lombardi trophy is laughable. Fields is who he is. He's a tremendous athlete that can pick on bad teams. Yet every time he's run into a capable opponent (Green Bay, Kansas City, Cleveland), he's been unable to do anything. People keep making excuses for him, stating it's the fault of the coaching staff. At some point, it's time to hold him accountable.

The Bears scored 26 combined points against Green Bay this season, against a defense that frankly hasn't been that good. Carolina scored 30 in one game. As for Eberflus, it's clear he is a solid defensive coach. The unit has made good strides. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean much against guys like Matt Lafleur. Rule changes have made winning with defense obsolete. Yet the Bears cling to their heritage like a life raft in a hurricane. This has to stop.

Poles and Warren have some tough decisions to make this off-season. They have the #1 pick in the draft. It is a premium ticket to landing a new quarterback. Justin Fields improved, but not enough. Eberflus can't compete with the top coaches in the league. Screw stability. Find the right guys.