LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — The winless Bears (0-4) will play in primetime Thursday as they visit the Commanders (2-2) at FedEx Field, with kickoff set for 7:15 p.m. CT.
A Bears team in turmoil is desperate to earn a victory but will face a challenge against the feisty Commanders in a game that may be Chicago's final chance to begin salvaging its season. Here are three storylines to follow Thursday.
1. Is Eberflus coaching for his job?
The Bears are riding a miserable 14-game losing streak, the longest in their 103-year history. Coach Matt Eberflus is 3-18 leading the team and owns by far the worst record in franchise history. The poor on-field results combined with constant drama at Halas Hall have left many wondering whether Eberflus’ job is in peril.
If the Bears suffer another embarrassing loss Thursday – on a primetime broadcast in front of a national audience – it would be difficult for Eberflus to come back from.
Bears chairman George McCaskey, president Kevin Warren and general manager Ryan Poles haven’t spoken publicly on Eberflus’ status as head coach, but the franchise is going through a tumultuous time.
Eberflus was tabbed by Poles to lead a rebuilding effort and to develop a young roster with an eye on the future. Carrying enhanced expectations this season after going an NFL-worst 3-14 in 2022, the Bears have started 0-4 and haven't won a game since last October.
The Bears have gone through a lot already early this season. Defensive coordinator Alan Williams mysteriously and suddenly resigned on Sept. 20. Earlier that same day, quarterback Justin Fields created a stir nationally and locally when he called upon the coaching staff to adjust the scheme and let him play more freely. In the last few days, the Bears have told disgruntled receiver Chase Claypool to stay away from Halas Hall, setting a likely divorce from him in motion. The team's hopes to showcase progress haven't materialized.
The Bears’ players will be off this weekend following their game Thursday, but McCaskey, Warren, Poles and Eberflus should be present at Halas Hall. If the Bears’ front office is seeking to make a change at head coach, that would be a convenient time.
It puts more pressure on Eberflus and the Bears to earn a victory Thursday.
2. Can Fields build off his breakthrough performance?
Despite their devastating loss to the Broncos on Sunday, the Bears were proud to see the best performance of Fields’ young career.
Fields went 28-of-35 for a career-best 335 yards, a career-high four touchdowns and one interception. He picked apart the NFL’s last-ranked defense, thriving with moving pockets and showcasing himself as a passer more than as a playmaker.
Fields will face a bigger challenge against a Commanders defense that has the potential to create strong pressure with defensive end Chase Young, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and defensive end Montez Sweat.
It’s incumbent upon Getsy and the Bears to have a game plan ready that will maximize Fields’ skill set. For his part, Getsy believes the Bears’ production on offense is sustainable.
“Just showing that we were kind of able to go into the game plan and play the way we wanted to play,” Getsy said of Chicago's performance Sunday in its 31-28 loss to Denver. “We were able to run the ball. We talked about (seeking explosive plays) last week, I thought we were able to go get those in the run game. Any time you’re able to do that, that’s going to open up other things for yourself. So, it was an opportunity for us to go out and we were able to execute a little better in each area. We were able to create more explosives, and that always leads to more points.”
3. New No. 1
The Bears have often stated their intention to make No. 1 receiver DJ Moore a focal point of their offense.
On Sunday, Moore hauled in eight receptions (on nine targets) for 131 yards and a touchdown. It resembled his outing against the Buccaneers on Sept. 17, when he posted six catches for 104 yards. But Moore had just a combined five receptions in the team's other two games. Getting him involved consistently has been a challenge.
When the Bears line up their offense against the Commanders’ defense, Moore will be arguably the best player on the field. The Bears need to make him a priority once again.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.