Eberflus defensive scheme(s)

[Hawkeye0202]

It appears we may finally have a D coach who will strongly improve the run defense........IF Jerry gets him the right players.

https://www.pretty50.com.tw/imgen452/matt-eberflus-defense-scheme1

Deconstructing Matt Eberflus' "HITS" Defense: A Deep Dive into the Chicago Bears' Scheme​

Matt Eberflus, the head coach of the Chicago Bears, brought with him a defensive philosophy built on the foundation of the "HITS" principle: Hustle, Intelligence, Toughness, and Speed. This isn't just a catchy acronym; it's a comprehensive approach that permeates every aspect of his defensive scheme. While specific details of play calls remain proprietary, we can analyze observable trends and publicly available information to dissect its core components and understand its effectiveness. This article will explore Eberflus' defensive approach, drawing upon observable game film and analyses to determine its strengths, weaknesses, and future potential.

The Pillars of HITS


https://ontapsportsnet.com/nfl/bears-matt-eberflus-defense-players-positions-preferences-colts

Building the Matt Eberflus Defense​

Looking to the Colts for answers on how the Matt Eberflus defense was built, and how the Bears might look to replicate that success
During Eberflus’ tenure as the Colts defensive coordinator, the team brought in seven interior defensive linemen. One re-signed from the previous regime, one via trade, four from free agency, and one through the draft. All free-agent signings were for low dollar amounts.

 

[Hawkeye19]

It appears we may finally have a D coach who will strongly improve the run defense........IF Jerry gets him the right players.

https://www.pretty50.com.tw/imgen452/matt-eberflus-defense-scheme1

Deconstructing Matt Eberflus' "HITS" Defense: A Deep Dive into the Chicago Bears' Scheme​

Matt Eberflus, the head coach of the Chicago Bears, brought with him a defensive philosophy built on the foundation of the "HITS" principle: Hustle, Intelligence, Toughness, and Speed. This isn't just a catchy acronym; it's a comprehensive approach that permeates every aspect of his defensive scheme. While specific details of play calls remain proprietary, we can analyze observable trends and publicly available information to dissect its core components and understand its effectiveness. This article will explore Eberflus' defensive approach, drawing upon observable game film and analyses to determine its strengths, weaknesses, and future potential.

The Pillars of HITS


https://ontapsportsnet.com/nfl/bears-matt-eberflus-defense-players-positions-preferences-colts

Building the Matt Eberflus Defense​

Looking to the Colts for answers on how the Matt Eberflus defense was built, and how the Bears might look to replicate that success
During Eberflus’ tenure as the Colts defensive coordinator, the team brought in seven interior defensive linemen. One re-signed from the previous regime, one via trade, four from free agency, and one through the draft. All free-agent signings were for low dollar amounts.

I don’t see an improvement here vs the run. He wants the Marinelli type DTs that can penetrate up field and rush the passer.

All his front 7 players are below average in size, strength, and weight.

I fail to see how this helps us stop the run. It is like we are going back to the concepts under Rod and hoping somehow they will work this time.

IMO— this kind of D will get absolutely mauled by the better teams in the league who are built with great OLs. The “small athletic” DLs highlighted in this article will just get blasted off the ball.

More of the same I am afraid. The more things “change” the more they stay the same.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

I don’t see an improvement here vs the run. He wants the Marinelli type DTs that can penetrate up field and rush the passer.

All his front 7 players are below average in size, strength, and weight.

I fail to see how this helps us stop the run. It is like we are going back to the concepts under Rod and hoping somehow they will work this time.

IMO— this kind of D will get absolutely mauled by the better teams in the league who are built with great OLs. The “small athletic” DLs highlighted in this article will just get blasted off the ball.

More of the same I am afraid. The more things “change” the more they stay the same.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5168444/2023/12/30/bears-defense-matt-eberflus/

https://ontapsportsnet.com/nfl/bears-matt-eberflus-defense-players-positions-preferences-colts

 

[Sarge]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5168444/2023/12/30/bears-defense-matt-eberflus/

https://ontapsportsnet.com/nfl/bears-matt-eberflus-defense-players-positions-preferences-colts

The good news is his interior defenders excel in the broad jump so we’re headed in the right direction as far as that goes.

 

[Zekeats]

The complete opposite of where this team should’ve went. A 3-4 would free up Parsons beyond belief.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

The good news is his interior defenders excel in the broad jump so we’re headed in the right direction as far as that goes.

A strong emphasis on LBers........

Under Matt Eberflus, the Colts defense brought in eight off-ball linebackers -- two from free agency and six through the draft.

Both free-agent signings were low-risk, high-reward additions, with no guaranteed dollars. Eberflus appears to have a preference to draft his ideal fit at the linebacker spot.

Veteran Bears fans can think back to pairing Brian Urlacher with Lance Briggs. The Mike (Urlacher) needs good speed as well as strong recognition abilities. He needs to read plays and recognize whether he should maintain short coverage with other linebackers, drop behind them into a deeper zone, or approach the LOS against the run. Meanwhile, the Will (Briggs) also needs plus speed and solid recognition abilities, but also must be a very skilled and instinctive tackler. The key theme in stopping the run is by directing traffic to the Will. Therefore, the Will must be able to react instinctively and take opportunities as quickly as they arise. In 2021, the Sam LB only played 18% of the defensive snaps for the Colts.

Roquan Smith could be a strong fit at either of these spots. While he does fit in the Mike role, he could be most productive in the Will role. I am curious to see what Eberflus decides to do with Roquan. Some potential free-agent options could include Kyzir White, Foyesade Oluokun, and Leighton Vander Esch.
On average, the linebackers for Eberflus are plus athletes who might be undersized but don’t lack for strength. While he prefers linebackers with plus length, it is not a deal-breaker for him. Three of the eight linebackers acquired had above average length. The linebacker group's height, weight, and agility are all below average. Meanwhile, areas of strength are bench press, broad jump, vertical jump, and the 40-yard dash. Seven of the eight acquired linebackers weigh in below 240 lbs.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

The complete opposite of where this team should’ve went. A 3-4 would free up Parsons beyond belief.

This is probably not what you wanna read but I'm 100% confident his scheme will center around Parsons's strength. Otherwise, no way in hell he's hired by Jerry ( about to invest $35M+ ? ).


What type of defense does Matt Eberflus use?


In four seasons with Indianapolis, Eberflus' defense finished in the top 10 in points allowed three times. A disciple of the Tony Dungy coaching tree, Eberflus has historically employed a 4-3 look that relies on zone coverage, specifically versions of Tampa-2

 

[America's Cowboy]

A strong emphasis on LBers........

Under Matt Eberflus, the Colts defense brought in eight off-ball linebackers -- two from free agency and six through the draft.

Both free-agent signings were low-risk, high-reward additions, with no guaranteed dollars. Eberflus appears to have a preference to draft his ideal fit at the linebacker spot.

Veteran Bears fans can think back to pairing Brian Urlacher with Lance Briggs. The Mike (Urlacher) needs good speed as well as strong recognition abilities. He needs to read plays and recognize whether he should maintain short coverage with other linebackers, drop behind them into a deeper zone, or approach the LOS against the run. Meanwhile, the Will (Briggs) also needs plus speed and solid recognition abilities, but also must be a very skilled and instinctive tackler. The key theme in stopping the run is by directing traffic to the Will. Therefore, the Will must be able to react instinctively and take opportunities as quickly as they arise. In 2021, the Sam LB only played 18% of the defensive snaps for the Colts.

Roquan Smith could be a strong fit at either of these spots. While he does fit in the Mike role, he could be most productive in the Will role. I am curious to see what Eberflus decides to do with Roquan. Some potential free-agent options could include Kyzir White, Foyesade Oluokun, and Leighton Vander Esch.
On average, the linebackers for Eberflus are plus athletes who might be undersized but don’t lack for strength. While he prefers linebackers with plus length, it is not a deal-breaker for him. Three of the eight linebackers acquired had above average length. The linebacker group's height, weight, and agility are all below average. Meanwhile, areas of strength are bench press, broad jump, vertical jump, and the 40-yard dash. Seven of the eight acquired linebackers weigh in below 240 lbs.

Cowboys should trade down from #12 to the mid 20s, pick up a late 2nd or 3rd & 5th round picks. Then use that mid 20s pick to draft Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell in the 1st round.

 

[JW82]

The complete opposite of where this team should’ve went. A 3-4 would free up Parsons beyond belief.

Agreed. micah would be a 20 sack guy in a 3-4. But this guy is a good DC.

 

[America's Cowboy]

This is probably not what you wanna read but I'm 100% confident his scheme will center around Parsons's strength. Otherwise, no way in hell he's hired by Jerry ( about to invest $35M+ ? ).


What type of defense does Matt Eberflus use?


In four seasons with Indianapolis, Eberflus' defense finished in the top 10 in points allowed three times. A disciple of the Tony Dungy coaching tree, Eberflus has historically employed a 4-3 look that relies on zone coverage, specifically versions of Tampa-2

I'm not too keen on zone coverage defenses. Those zone defenses consistently give up huge yards through the air and allow opposing teams to frequently get in scoring position. We need more man-to-man schemes included with strength and speed in the trenches and box (front 7).

 

[VaqueroTD]

One year one of the best run defenses in the NFL with the Bears. The other two years one of the worst.

I'll believe the improvement when I see it. Not going to buy any hype coming from this team ever again.

 

[visionary]

This defense sounds like a disaster

Well, Cowboys fans will have a lot of free Sundays next year

 

[visionary]

One year one of the best run defenses in the NFL with the Bears. The other two years one of the worst.

I'll believe the improvement when I see it. Not going to buy any hype coming from this team ever again.

Hype?

This is recycled garbage

You cant shine ****

 

[Chocolate Lab]

I'm actually more discouraged with this hire than with Schottenheimer. We know we can only do so much on offense with Dak, but they had a chance to get a bright 34 DC and hopefully maximize Micah. Instead they defaulted again to the familiar name who had been in the building and who was "comfortable with how we do things around here."

 

[Hawkeye0202]

One year one of the best run defenses in the NFL with the Bears. The other two years one of the wors

Why...... loss of key players, and injuries could have had an impact

 

[visionary]

I'm actually more discouraged with this hire than with Schottenheimer. We know we can only do so much on offense with Dak, but they had a chance to get a bright 34 DC and hopefully maximize Micah. Instead they defaulted again to the familiar name who had been in the building and who was "comfortable with how we do things around here."

Exactly
Micah needs a 3-4 or trade him
Hes not a 4-3 DE

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Cowboys should trade down from #12 to the mid 20s, pick up a late 2nd or 3rd & 5th round picks. Then use that mid 20s pick to draft Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell in the 1st round.

I would not be surprised at all.......he loves a top-shelf MLBer in the LVE mold. I can def see them targeting one of the top 2-3 graded LBers.

 

[America's Cowboy]

I would not be surprised at all.......he loves a top-shelf MLBer in the LVE mold. I can def see them targeting one of the top 2-3 graded LBers.

It makes sense, especially with Overshown down with another torn up knee (especially with this 2nd knee injury being seriously damaging with 3 out of 4 torn ligaments).

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Exactly
Micah needs a 3-4 or trade him
Hes not a 4-3 DE

I agree 100% V but I'll wait and see on this one. Think about it.......what the first question you asking him if you are Jerry. Show me your plans for 11 coz I'm about to invest $35M+.
I read a clip where he uses a variation of 4-3 and 3-4 depending on personnel.

 

[Risen Star]

He has not been hired yet.