{"id":133932,"date":"2022-06-16T16:28:34","date_gmt":"2022-06-16T20:28:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=133932"},"modified":"2022-06-16T16:28:34","modified_gmt":"2022-06-16T20:28:34","slug":"matt-eberflus-message-to-bears-come-back-lean-fit-and-strong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2022\/06\/16\/matt-eberflus-message-to-bears-come-back-lean-fit-and-strong\/","title":{"rendered":"Matt Eberflus’ Message to Bears: \u2018Come back lean, fit, and strong\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Chicago Bears<\/a> just wrapped up their final minicamp before training camp begins, expectedly, in late July. But rookie head coach Matt Eberflus<\/a> delivered a clear message to his team before sending them on their way for the next few weeks. Much of the debate around the Bears’ offseason program has been around the lack of weapons<\/a> for second-year quarterback Justin Fields<\/a>. There has also been much ado over the many offensive line combinations<\/a> the Bears have tried.<\/p>\n

But, as they get set for their first season under the Ryan Poles<\/a>-Matt Eberflus regime, not much can be left to chance. This time away can be a nerve-racking experience for head coaches and general managers all across the NFL landscape.<\/p>\n

Eberflus is, now, no different.<\/p>\n

Bears HC Sends Strong Message to Team After Final Minicamp<\/h2>\n

No Wasted Time<\/h3>\n

Eberflus began his media availability<\/a> by explaining all of the Bears wearing No. 41 in tribute to the late Brian Piccolo<\/a> who passed away from cancer 52 years ago to the day on June 16, 1972. The Bears coach also thanked the entire organization upon completion of his first offseason program.<\/p>\n

Then, he began laying out his expectations in the team meeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe talked in the team meeting\u2026about our summer conditioning and getting mentally and physically ready to go into training camp. That\u2019s an important piece for the guys. We want them to grow\u2026during the course of the offseason.\u201d<\/p>\n

Eberflus then reminded everyone of just how much time will pass before the Bears veterans are expected back at Halas Hall.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe veterans have like 40 days before they come back. So, that\u2019s a good chunk of time to get better personally, to get better physically, and as a whole man to be able to do that in the offseason.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

#Bears<\/a> HC Matt Eberflus speaks next to 1969 George Halas Courage Award that was won by Gale Sayers. Sayers gave the award to teammate Brian Piccolo, who was battling cancer at the time. Piccolo passed away 52 years ago today. pic.twitter.com\/Pa8MIiU0Fq<\/a><\/p>\n

— Larry Mayer (@LarryMayer) June 16, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n