In one of the most head-scratching moments of the season, the Chicago Bears managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory thanks to an utter failure in clock management. With the game on the line, fans and analysts alike were left stunned by the Bears’ inability to execute in the final moments. Even former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan weighed in, criticizing head coach Matt Eberflus for his questionable handling of the situation.

The Situation

With just 32 seconds left on the clock, the Bears found themselves with a third-and-26 situation. All they needed was a quick play to gain some yards and get into field goal range for a potential 59-yard attempt. It seemed like a straightforward opportunity to at least give their kicker a chance to tie the game and send it to overtime. But instead of moving quickly, the Bears wasted precious seconds, unable to even line up in time for a play. By the time they finally realized they needed to act, the clock had run out. The game ended with no chance for a field goal attempt, and the Bears had once again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

Matt Ryan’s Critique of Eberflus’ Clock Management

Matt Ryan, the former NFL MVP and experienced quarterback, was quick to call out the Bears’ lack of urgency in that crucial moment. Speaking on the situation, Ryan said, “You cannot let the clock run out in that spot. It’s basic football—know the situation, know the time, and act fast. There was no reason to not have a play ready, no reason to waste time when you’re trying to send the game into overtime.”

Ryan’s frustration was understandable. In the NFL, late-game situations are often the difference between a win and a loss, and teams that cannot execute in those moments will find themselves in situations like the Bears’. Eberflus’ failure to manage the clock properly came under sharp scrutiny, especially after the Bears had plenty of time to set up a quick play, then call a timeout to get the field goal unit onto the field.

The Critical Mistakes

Here’s where the Bears went wrong:

Wasting Time: With 32 seconds left, the Bears needed to act quickly. They could have run a short pass to gain some yards and immediately called a timeout. Instead, they let the clock tick away, failing to set up the play in a timely manner.Lack of Urgency: Quarterback Caleb Williams, under the bright lights of a game-deciding situation, was slow to get the offense set. With only seconds left, the Bears needed to be in a hurry-up mode, but instead, they took their time—allowing the clock to become their enemy.

No Timeout Taken: With the clock winding down, the Bears still had a timeout left. They could have used that timeout immediatelyafter the third-down play to give themselves time to run a field goal attempt. Instead, they failed to use that opportunity, which ultimately led to the game ending before they could even attempt a kick.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just a small mistake—it’s a catastrophic failure in clock management that cost the Bears a chance to win or at least tie the game. In the NFL, especially when a game is on the line, clock management can be the difference between a playoff berth and an early offseason. And for head coach Matt Eberflus, this misstep further damages his reputation, adding to the criticism that has already surrounded his leadership this season.

As Matt Ryan pointed out, these types of mistakes are not excusable for a professional team. Eberflus’ inability to manage the game’s final moments raises serious questions about his readiness to lead a team in crucial situations. In a game that was so close, allowing something as preventable as poor clock management to cost you the game is simply inexcusable.

Looking Ahead

The Bears’ season continues to be a rollercoaster of highs and lows, with moments of brilliance often overshadowed by critical errors like this one. If they hope to improve, they will need to address these late-game situations and ensure that their coaching staff is prepared to make the right decisions in crunch time. For now, it’s clear that Matt Eberflus will have a lot of explaining to do as he works to regain his team’s trust and fix these recurring issues.

As for Matt Ryan, his critique is just the latest in a growing list of experts pointing to Eberflus’ inability to manage the clock. While the Bears’ players certainly bear some responsibility, it’s ultimately the coach’s job to put them in the best position to win. In this case, the Bears failed spectacularly when it mattered most.