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Bears' Matt Eberflus must be more than defensive mastermind this season

Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

There are still a lot of questions about Bears coach Matt Eberflus, but there’s no doubt he’s a masterful defensive play caller. It’s how he rose to this level, and him unexpectedly taking on that role has made a big difference for the Bears.

Eberflus’ overarching responsibility, however, hasn’t changed since the Bears hired him. It won’t be enough to orchestrate an overwhelming defense if quarterback Caleb Williams isn’t making significant progress and the team isn’t stacking victories.

Eberflus’ fingerprints were all over the win against the Titans last week, from the swarming defense to left guard Teven Jenkins citing his fear of getting a “loaf” in the effort-based grading system for sparking him to chase down Rome Odunze’s fumble.