The Chicago Bears’ clock management in their Thanksgiving Day loss to the Detroit Lions raised a lot of questions.
Despite a strong second-half comeback, the Bears couldn’t capitalize on a final opportunity, leaving many fans wondering if coach Matt Eberflus made the right decisions in the closing moments.
Let’s dive into the strategy behind their final play and how the Bears handled late-game execution.
Why Didn’t the Chicago Bears Call a Timeout in the Final Moments of the Thanksgiving Game?
With just 36 seconds remaining in the game, the Bears were down by three points and in striking distance.
Yet, they didn’t call a timeout immediately after a critical sack. Matt Eberflus defended his decision, explaining that the plan was to run a play and then call a timeout once they got closer to field goal range.
The hope was to “rerack” the play, gain some yards, and give Cairo Santos a chance for a game-tying field goal.
However, the sack on Caleb Williams pushed the Bears out of ideal field goal range, making it even more difficult to execute the plan.
This sequence exemplified the fine line between trying to optimize the clock and managing it effectively.
While Eberflus’ strategy might have seemed reasonable at first, the lack of a timely timeout meant the Bears ran out of time before they could attempt a game-winning shot.
What Was Matt Eberflus’ Explanation for the Bears’ Clock Management Decision?
Eberflus, known for his calm and methodical approach, stood by his decision not to call a timeout immediately.
In his post-game comments, he pointed out that once the clock reached under 12 seconds, the Bears had no choice but to “hold onto” the play and go for the end zone.
His idea was that by getting the ball inbounds, they could conserve time, move closer to the end zone, and potentially set up a field goal attempt.
But despite this approach, Eberflus’ belief that the Bears could execute this strategy effectively without a timeout proved flawed.
The play took longer to develop than expected, and by the time the Bears snapped the ball, there were only six seconds left on the clock, leaving little time for a successful execution.
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How Did Caleb Williams and the Bears’ Offense Execute the Final Play?
As the rookie quarterback, Caleb Williams had a huge responsibility in those final moments.
With only a few seconds to make a play, Williams adjusted the offensive play call when he saw the clock ticking down.
He noticed that if the pass was completed inbounds, the Bears wouldn’t have time to kick a field goal, so he decided to aim for a touchdown instead.
The final pass to Rome Odunze was an attempt to give the receiver a one-on-one shot downfield, but it ended in a dramatic failure.
This final play showed the pressure Williams was under and how the timing of his decisions influenced the outcome.
While the intention was right, the execution didn’t match the urgency of the situation. With the Lions defense pressuring him, the play wasn’t able to connect, and time ran out before they could set up a game-tying field goal.
How Did the Bears’ Clock Management Affect the Outcome of the Game?
The Bears clock management was a key factor in their 23-20 loss to the Lions. If a timeout had been called earlier, there could have been a better opportunity to attempt a 58-yard field goal or even set up a closer shot.
But with the clock winding down, the Bears were forced to rush, and the pressure led to the missed opportunity.
It also highlights a bigger issue: the Bears have struggled with close losses throughout the season.
This game marks another example of how poor time management and ineffective late-game execution have cost them games, a trend they’ll need to address if they hope to turn around their season.
Could the Bears Have Attempted a Field Goal Instead of Going for the End Zone?
Another question that arose after the game was whether the Bears should have attempted a field goal rather than going for a touchdown in the final moments.
Cairo Santos, who was warming up on the sideline, was capable of kicking a 58-yard field goal, but the Bears chose to go for the end zone instead.
Considering the distance and Santos’ career-long being 55 yards, the choice was understandable, especially given the pressure to score quickly.
However, with the Bears’ field goal struggles in recent weeks, it’s also possible that taking a chance on a touchdown was seen as a more viable option, even though it ultimately didn’t work out.
What Did the Bears’ Players Think of the Clock Management Decisions?
Many Bears players expressed disbelief at the final sequence.
Cole Kmet, the Bears’ tight end, recalled the chaotic moments following the sack. “I was like, ‘What the eff just happened?’” he said.
Similarly, DJ Moore shared his frustration, calling the end of the game a “what the bleep” moment, reflecting the players’ confusion and disappointment.
Cairo Santos, who would have been in position to attempt the game-tying field goal, also expressed his surprise at the turn of events, noting that he had rehearsed these scenarios.
The lack of a clear final decision was a key factor in how this game slipped away from them.
Conclusion
The Bears’ clock management issues in the Thanksgiving Day game against the Lions cost them a chance at a comeback victory.
By not calling a timeout in time, they left themselves no room for error. If you have thoughts on the Bears’ decision-making, feel free to leave a comment or share this article with your friends.
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