The Bears' Matt Eberflus evaluates the caller change in the offensive game after scoring 27 points in the last three weeks

By Kevin Fishbain, Adam Jahns and Larry Holder

The Chicago Bears' offense appeared to be on an upward trend heading into the team's Week 7 bye. Since then, the trough has been broken, leading to a possible change in the game manager at the beginning of the 11th week.

In an interview with ESPN 1000 in Chicago on Monday morning, Bears coach Matt Eberflus said the team is “in the middle of that evaluation process” regarding a possible move away from offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Eberflus added in his press conference on Monday afternoon: “There will be changes and adjustments. I won't reveal these now. I’m not at that point in the process yet.”

After scoring 36 and 35 points in Weeks 5 and 6, respectively, the Bears have scored just 27 points total in their last three games, including three points in Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots in Week 10. Chicago has not I haven't scored a touchdown since Week 8.

“Monday is a long day in terms of evaluating everything, in terms of the lineups, in terms of the coaching, in terms of how we need to improve that coaching and communication in the game, during the game and after.” that Game, before the game,” said Eberflus on Monday afternoon. “That's why it's important that we take the time to make these decisions and make the right decisions that matter to the Bears, the best ones for the Bears this week and in the future. “That's the most important thing What we're doing is having some stability here, but also making the necessary adjustments and changes that we need to make to achieve what's best for the Bears moving forward.”

Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams hasn't thrown a touchdown pass since Week 6, but his role won't be part of the changes. Eberflus said Williams will continue to be the No. 1 player in 2024.

“They're not going to reinvent the wheel in a way,” Williams said when asked about a possible change at play caller after Sunday's loss. “We are in the middle of the season. It's not a decision for me. I have to do what the coach says. I have to deal with whatever decision he makes and I have to be okay with it. Can I adapt? Yes I will. We’ll be able to adapt to whatever decision he makes and then we’ll have to go out and execute and win games.”

Eberflus appeared unwilling to make the offensive move after the team's Week 9 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. After Sunday's loss to New England, questions about the job arose again.

“Like I said, we're going to look at everything from top to bottom and make sure we find the answers to move the ball down the field and play better as a football team on offense, defense and special teams,” said Eberflus when asked about a change in coordinator.

When asked if a play caller change was on the table, Eberflus said: “I said we'll look at everything. Everything is checked.”

How the Bears' offense stalled

When Eberflus decided to fire Luke Getsy, he had no bigger decision than to pick Williams as the play caller. The most important step for a defensive head coach is the offensive coordinator, and Eberflus was 0-1. The Bears spent two weeks interviewing candidates before selecting Waldron based on his experience with Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll and Sean McVay. They praised what he did with Geno Smith as Seattle's play caller.

Nine games into the season, the Bears rank 31st in yards per game, 30th in yards per game, 30th in yards per pass, 28th in yards per carry, 32nd in yards allowed Sacks per pass and 31st on third down. Because they have a better talent group on offense, the only statistical category in which they have improved is interception rate – Williams hasn't thrown a pick since Week 6.

The Bears lead the league with 19 false start penalties, an example of pre-snap miscommunication. We've often seen Williams not see eye-to-eye with his receivers. Waldron's use – or lack thereof – of tight end Cole Kmet was difficult to understand. In the last three games – minus the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders – nothing has worked on offense.

The Bears have had nine offensive coordinators since George McCaskey took over as team chairman in 2011, and will have 10 when Waldron is replaced. The last time an offensive coordinator managed the position for three seasons for the Bears was Ron Turner (2005-2009). — Kevin Fishbain, Bears beat writer

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(Photo: Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune / Tribune News Service via Getty Images)