Awful time management shows why Bears are a laughingstock

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus looks at the scoreboard during their game against the Detroit Lions in the first quarter at Ford Field. Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Terrible time management vs. Lions shows why Bears are still a laughingstock

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Nov 29, 2024 10:19 AM ET

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus may be Chicago's biggest turkey.

Eberflus' incompetence spoiled Caleb Williams' epic comeback attempt in Thursday's matchup with the Detroit Lions.

With 36 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, the Bears rookie quarterback took a six-yard sack on a 2nd-and-20 at Detroit's 35-yard line.

The Bears still had one timeout remaining, but they let the clock roll for some reason. Williams then overthrew rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze before time expired, capping off a 23-20 loss.

"I can't believe they didn't take a timeout!"

Lions win in a CRAZY finish over the Bears pic.twitter.com/iLqZLMKpDh
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) November 28, 2024

Williams could've called a timeout, but Eberflus should've stepped in when the 2024 No. 1 overall pick didn't realize he was chewing the clock.

CBS Sports analyst Matt Ryan, a former NFL QB, ripped Eberflus in CBS' Sports postgame telecast.

"This is unacceptable," Ryan said, "From the head coach's position, your responsibility is not to panic in critical situations... That's a massive, massive fail by Matt Eberflus."

"Your responsibility is to not panic in critical situations... That's a massive, massive fail by Matt Eberflus."@M_Ryan02 cannot believe the Bears' clock management at the end of their loss pic.twitter.com/aXwXoEc4Ju
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) November 28, 2024

The terrible time management highlights Eberflus' inability to win close games.

According to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, 221 coaches have had 20-plus games decided by seven points or fewer. Eberflus' .227 win percentage in these games (5-17) ranks last. Chicago has had six such losses this season.

221 coaches have had 20+ career games decided by 7 points or fewer. Matt Eberflus' .227 win percentage in those games (5-17) ranks 221st
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) November 28, 2024

Eberflus' sloppy coaching overshadowed Williams' impressive performance. The 23-year-old completed 20-of-39 passes for 256 yards and three TDs, two of which were in the fourth quarter. The Bears outscored the Lions 20-7 in the second half due in part to Williams' efforts.

After the loss to Detroit (11-1), the Bears are 4-8 and falling out of playoff contention. The skid will likely make Eberflus' seat even warmer. Entering this matchup, he had a 14-31 record in three seasons with the club.

One reason Chicago isn't maximizing Williams' potential is Eberflus' questionable decision-making. It's also why they're still one of the most inept franchises in the NFL.

Clark Dalton

Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

More must-reads: