The Chicago Bears faced struggles in the fourth quarter throughout the 2023 season. The team lost six games by just one score, with three of those losses coming from blown leads in the final quarter. In Week 4, they lost a 21-point lead to the Denver Broncos, in Week 11, a 12-point lead to the Detroit Lions, and in Week 15, a 10-point lead to the Cleveland Browns.
Warren Sharp analyzed the Bears’ performance last season and pointed out their difficulties in closing out games in the fourth quarter. If we only look at their performance in the first three quarters, the Bears would have had a 10-6-1 record, which would have been the eighth most wins in the NFL. They also outgained their opponents by 430 yards and ranked 10th in total line of scrimmage EPA (offense and defense) through three quarters.
On the flip side, the fourth quarter was a disaster for the Bears. They had a total EPA of -50.7, which was the worst in the NFL. They also had the most turnovers with 14, the most interceptions with 10, were outgained by 446 yards (second worst), and finished with the worst record in the NFC North at 7-9.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus will be closely watched this season after the team’s struggles in close games in 2023. Despite a rough start in his first two seasons, the team decided to stick with him as the head coach. While it may not be fair to compare last year’s team with the current roster, it is evident that Chicago needs to improve in closing out games if they want to compete for a spot in the postseason. And it all starts with the leadership of their head coach.