The Latest Breaking News from Matt Eberflus

The former Bears linebacker was in a class with Shaquille Leonard, who flourished in Matt Eberflus’ defense. But Leonard was responsible for 30 takeaways in four seasons. Smith had two in eight games. “We covet ball production in that position,” Eberflus said.

With players surprised and confused about the move, Poles and Eberflus met with the team’s leadership council to quell any dissension. “There are a lot of things that start floating around ... like, ‘They don’t care about their guys.’” Eddie Jackson said. “That was pretty cool for them to talk…

Smith wasn’t part of the problem — just the opposite. He’s a top-tier defensive weapon just beginning his prime at 25, and there’s no question about how good and versatile he is after the last five seasons. He could have been the centerpiece of coach Matt Eberflus’ defense for years.

The Bears can already can attack a defense sideline to sideline with their run game and the passes they throw based off of it. Now they need to stretch it end zone to end zone.

The Bears were defeated by the Cowboys, 49-29, where the offense shined and defense struggled. Take a look at the action:

Parsons should have been down after recovering David Montgomery’s fumble. But Justin Fields leaped over him, no other player touched him and Parsons was off to the end zone. “I thought he was down by contact and they were celebrating,” Teven Jenkins said.

It’s a recurring problem: Anytime the Bears face an offense that knows what it’s doing, they get overwhelmed.

Even though the team refused to amp up the pass game late, there were positives.

Bears HC Matt Eberflus said OL Alex Leatherwood is 'in a good spot' as he returns to the active roster.