Here are all the snap counts for the Chicago Bears, a spotlight on some of their individual statistics, and a few team stats from the 20 to 19 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
For the ninth time in his 44-game head coaching career, Matt Eberflus’ Chicago Bears blew a fourth-quarter lead, losing 20 to 19 against the Green Bay Packers.
They had a chance to beat the Packers for the first time since 2018, which made this loss especially painful. After a 4-2 start, the Bears have dropped four in a row in different yet excruciating ways: Hail Mary, disaster in the desert, nine sacks allowed, blocked game winning field goal.
Eberflus has created a losing culture in Chicago because that’s what his conservative coaching style fosters.
Going conservative was fine when it was year one of a tear-it-to-the-studs rebuild, but this is year three. His roster has improved, but he’s the exact same head coach he was in 2022. If he’s self-scouting, he’s not doing a good job because there’s been no growth, and he’s still blowing leads.
His Bears aren’t learning to win because he’s not coaching them to win; he’s coaching them not to lose.
As bad as it was, the numbers actually favor the Bears in this game, so kudos to new offensive coordinator Thomas Brown.
The Bears had more total yards (391 to 366), more first downs (23 to 19), were better on third downs (56.3% to 20.0%), better on fourth downs (3-3 to 0-1), and led in time of possession (36:21 to 23:39).
But Green Bay had the edge in penalties with just 3 for 25 yards to 7 for 50 for Chicago.
The S in Eberflus’ H.I.T.S. philosophy stands for playing smart, but his team has 40 presnap penalties this season.
But wait, there’s more!
From @PaulHembo on @GetUp: The Bears are 5-17 in one-score games under Matt Eberflus since 2022, the worst record in the NFL.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) November 18, 2024
And for some context to just how “worst” it is, check out the graphic that @Statholesports shared via Twitter.
Again, this is year three. His game management has not improved, there’s a losing culture, so what does he offer the franchise at this point?
Let’s look at the Bears’ playing time breakdowns and a few individual stats from the game.
OFFENSE
Caleb Williams played a solid game with offensive coordinator Thomas Brown calling plays for the first time in Chicago. There was a noticeable difference with more motion, more condensed formations, designed QB runs, schemed-up touches for DJ Moore, and pass plays designed to get the ball out fast.
Williams also said the plays were getting sent into him quicker than with previous offensive coordinator Shane Waldron.
They stuck with the run, and D’Andre Swift eventually popped a nice 39-yard touchdown scamper. Roschon Johnson tied his season high in carries and had a season-high in rushing yards.
The Bears wanted to get DJ more involved, and he had his most receptions since week three. Rome Odunze also had his most catches since week three.
DEFENSE
Safety Kevin Byard led the Bears with 9 tackles.
LInebackers Tremaine Edmunds had 7 tackles, and T.J. Edwards had 6 and a tackle for loss.
Jaylon Johnson had 6 tackles and a pass defended.
Kyler Gordon had 5 tackles and a TFL.
DeMarcus Walker was credited with the Bears only sack and had 2 tackles.
Terell Smith had the game’s only interception.
Jack Sanborn had 2 tackles and a TFL.
SPECIAL TEAMS*
*The above image has players who only played in the third phase.
Cairo Santos hit his only extra point and was 2 for 3 on field goals.
Tory Taylor punted twice for a 41.5 average (33.5 net), with one inside the twenty.
To check out the complete Bears vs. Packers box score, I find that ESPN has an easy-to-navigate site. Hit that link if you want to see all the game’s numbers.
All statistics and snap counts, as well as the accompanying pictures, are taken directly from the NFL’s Game Statistic and Information System.