4 things learned Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus Montez Sweat Tez Factor Cairo Santos milestone

Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus recaps the team's 16-13 win against the Carolina Panthers, praising defensive efforts and players' performances.

Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus met with reporters Friday afternoon to discuss his team's 16-13 victory against the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field. There are four key takeaways from the game. Eberflus praised the defensive effort that held the Panthers and rookie quarterback Bryce Young without an offensive touchdown. He particularly commended linebacker T.J. Edwards, who had 12 tackles and set a team record for the most tackles in team history through 10 weeks. Eberflus also highlighted the performance of defensive linemen Yannick Ngakoue, Rasheem Green, and Justin Jones, as well as new defensive end Montez Sweat, who has shown significant improvement in the defense. Additionally, Eberflus called nickel Kyler Gordon "dynamic" and expects his production to improve further. However, the Bears defense as a whole needs to focus on getting more takeaways, as they have gone two games without one.

With 10 days until their next game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field, Bears players have the weekend off from practices and will resume practices on Wednesday. Eberflus provided no update on the status of quarterback Fields, who dislocated his right thumb on October 15. Fields has been limited in practices since then and is working with trainers to determine when he might return.

In terms of special teams, kicker Santos made field goals from 54, 36, and 39 yards in the first half, bringing his career total to 200 over 10 seasons. Eberflus praised Santos' leg strength and growth in his career. Santos has made 15 of 16 field-goal attempts this season and has made 19 of 20 extra-point tries. Additionally, the Bears made Jones inactive after a penalty in the previous game, and rookie Tyler Scott took over kickoff-return duties.

Overall, Eberflus emphasized the need for the defense to continue improving and the importance of making the best decisions for the roster to win games.

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