Matt Eberflus had bizarre explanation for his controversial challenge vs. Vikings
Nov 9, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus looks on before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Eberflus did not do himself any favors with his explanation for a challenge flag he threw during the Chicago Bears’ game Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Bears trailed the Vikings 14-10 to begin the second half of play at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. On the very first play of the half, Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold found wide receiver Jordan Addison for a massive 69-yard gain.
Jordan Addison bounces off a defender for a 69-yard gain!
📺: #MINvsCHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/OVIYAQc3Rk— NFL (@NFL) November 24, 2024
Eberflus challenged the play, contending that Addison may have stepped on the sideline before he was eventually taken down at the Bears’ 23-yard line. The referees later ruled the challenge unsuccessful and that Addison did not step out of bounds.
The Bears coach was asked about the failed challenge during a Monday press conference. Eberflus clarified that he threw the challenge flag because the play was “explosive.”
“When it’s an explosive there, we want to make sure that we throw that flag. … I think it always warrants a challenge when you have that big of a gain. … even if we don’t have the best look that we want to have,” Eberflus told reporters.
Matt Eberflus says he threw the challenge flag on the Jordan Addison 69-yard play because it was "explosive."
"It always warrants a challenge when you have that big of a gain….even if we don't have the best look that we would have."
EXCUSE ME?!?!
— Brendan Sugrue (@BrendanSugrue) November 25, 2024
In all fairness to Eberflus, one camera angle of the play appeared to have shown Addison stepping on the sideline. The unique camera angle, however, was at the center of its own controversy.
However, Eberflus’ explanation for actually challenging the play was questionable to say the least. He basically admitted that he throws challenges blindly just based on the number of yards involved and not how likely his team is to win the challenge.
The failed challenge resulted in the Bears losing a timeout, which could have been very useful in a game that went down to the wire. The Bears lost 30-27 in overtime.
It does not help Eberflus’ case that he is 0/4 on his challenges through 11 games this season.