Matt Eberflus has been in soccer lengthy sufficient that he is aware of not to concentrate to predictions, notably people who counsel the Chicago Bears could possibly be in for a tough yr in his first season as head coach.
However, he is aware of his gamers possible see them, and so he mentioned it’s essential for his younger workforce to give attention to their fundamentals as they open the season Sunday towards the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field.
“In today’s age, everybody looks at everything. It’s part of our life now,” Eberflus mentioned. “You perceive, you place that in a bucket. It’s an opinion of someone’s or it isn’t reality.
“We write our own story. I told the guys that all the time, we’re writing our own book. And then we do it one game at a time. And then you can micro it down to each play. … They go Play 1: alignment, assignment, key, technique, execution, production. Did you get it done? Turn the page. Play No. 2, and that’s the cycle of the snap. That’s what we’ve got to do as a football team and as individuals.”
The Bears deliver that strategy right into a recreation towards an skilled 49ers workforce that reached the NFC championship recreation final season.
Their quarterback, nonetheless, just isn’t deep on expertise.
The recreation will characteristic a battle of 2021 first-round quarterbacks Trey Lance, whom the 49ers drafted No. 3, and Justin Fields, whom the Bears picked No. 11.
It will likely be Lance’s third profession begin after making two final season. Fields will likely be making his eleventh begin after going 2-8 as a starter final yr, however will probably be his first below Eberflus and new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
“I just think he’s ready to go,” Eberflus mentioned. “The coaches have done a great job of preparing him to be ready, and he’s excited. … Excited means that you’re focused, you’re prepared and you’re ready to do it.”
Injury report
Bears rookie broad receiver/returner Velus Jones Jr. was listed as uncertain to play with a hamstring harm, whereas rookie defensive finish Dominique Robinson was questionable with a knee harm.
The Bears elevated heart Dieter Eiselen from the observe squad Saturday, which might point out he would be the backup if Lucas Patrick just isn’t capable of snap due to a solid on his proper hand. Sam Mustipher possible will begin at heart, however Patrick nonetheless doubtlessly might play guard. Eberflus was ready till recreation day to disclose the beginning offensive line configuration.
For the 49ers, tight finish George Kittle missed observe all week with a groin harm and was listed as questionable. Guard Daniel Brunskill is out with a hamstring harm.
Q&A with McCaskey and Phillips
Bears Chairman George McCaskey and Ted Phillips sat down Friday with the Tribune and a reporter from the Chicago Sun-Times to handle a number of the many questions that include the seek for a brand new workforce president.
Here are a few of their solutions on what the Bears are on the lookout for within the subsequent president, how the Arlington venture will likely be dealt with as Phillips prepares to depart, how Phillips views his tenure and extra. Read extra right here.
Important Soldier Field replace
The Bears resodded Soldier Field with Bermuda grass, changing the outdated Kentucky bluegrass.
Eberflus mentioned the change was within the works for a while, although it wasn’t carried out till after Soldier Field hosted German steel band Rammstein’s live performance final week.
“We feel it’s going to be a nice surface,” Eberflus mentioned. “It’s going to be a fast surface, which I think lends to help us out. … We want a long, fast, athletic football team. So that lends to our advantage.” Read extra right here.
Justin Fields in Year 2
In the search to determine Justin Fields as their no-doubt franchise quarterback, the Bears must set him up for achievement and hold him within the correct mindset.
There’s extra to that than it sounds. For Fields to remain correctly calibrated, he should stay in tune with his preparation obligations — for himself and the workforce. He additionally should have a robust really feel for what his new offensive system asks whereas trusting what every play is designed to perform. Read extra right here.
Miss something this week? Catch up earlier than kickoff (midday, FOX).
Here’s the newest on the potential stadium transfer to Arlington Heights.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com