In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of the NFL, players come and go as teams work tirelessly to build the perfect roster that balances talent, chemistry, and strategy. For Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, the departure of defensive back Jonathan Owens was a significant moment. Owens, a key player on defense, made the decision to leave the team for good, and Eberflus’ reaction—“Not so easy, but much better without him”—offered an intriguing glimpse into the mindset of a coach dealing with a high-profile player exit.
Jonathan Owens, who had emerged as a promising defensive back, was known for his aggressive playing style and versatility. After spending time with the Houston Texans, where he carved out a role as a solid contributor, Owens joined the Chicago Bears and was expected to be a pivotal part of a defense that needed to rebuild its identity. Owens brought a physical presence to the secondary and a reputation as a hard-working, reliable player who could fill multiple roles, including safety and cornerback.
Under Matt Eberflus’ defensive scheme, Owens had the opportunity to showcase his abilities. Eberflus, known for his disciplined, detail-oriented defensive philosophy, saw potential in Owens as a player who could help solidify a defense that struggled with consistency in recent seasons. The Bears had high hopes for Owens, expecting him to be part of a broader plan to return the team to playoff contention after a string of disappointing seasons.
Despite the potential and the opportunities Owens had in Chicago, something shifted during his tenure with the Bears. The details surrounding Owens’ decision to leave the team for good remain somewhat unclear, but it’s likely that a combination of factors led to the split. Whether it was a lack of fit within Eberflus’ system, personal reasons, or a desire for a new start, Owens chose to move on, leaving a noticeable gap in the Bears’ secondary.
When asked about Owens’ departure, Eberflus didn’t mince words. His comment—“Not so easy, but much better without him”—was straightforward and candid. While on the surface it may seem harsh, the remark reflects the complexity of managing an NFL roster and the delicate balance between individual talent and overall team performance. Eberflus, like many head coaches, understands that while losing a talented player isn’t easy, sometimes a team is better off without someone who may not be the perfect fit, even if that player possesses notable skills.
Eberflus’ acknowledgment that Owens’ departure was “not so easy” speaks to the challenge of losing a player who has contributed to the team’s defensive efforts. In a league where defensive backfields are often tasked with neutralizing high-powered offenses, having a versatile and experienced player like Owens is invaluable. His ability to play both safety and cornerback, coupled with his physicality and football IQ, made him an asset. Losing that kind of player is never easy, particularly for a Bears team that has been working to improve its defensive unit.
Owens had moments where he showcased his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, and his departure undoubtedly left a hole in the secondary. Eberflus, a defensive-minded coach, likely recognized how Owens’ presence helped bring stability to the defense, and parting ways with such a player is rarely an easy decision.
However, the second half of Eberflus’ remark—“but much better without him”—reveals a more nuanced perspective on team dynamics. While Owens may have been talented, Eberflus implies that his absence could ultimately benefit the team. This sentiment reflects the reality that talent alone does not always translate into team success. Football, perhaps more than any other sport, relies heavily on team chemistry, cohesion, and players buying into a collective vision.
It’s possible that Owens’ departure opened the door for other players to step up or allowed the coaching staff to adjust its defensive scheme in ways that better suited the team’s overall goals. In the NFL, addition by subtraction is a common phenomenon—sometimes the removal of a player can lead to improved performance, either because it alleviates locker room tension, allows for greater role clarity among remaining players, or creates opportunities for younger talent to emerge.
For the Chicago Bears, Jonathan Owens’ departure may have been a turning point in how they approach the development of their defensive identity. While losing a player of his caliber is never easy, Eberflus’ comment suggests that the team is prepared to move forward with a renewed sense of purpose and perhaps with a roster that is more aligned with his vision of what the Bears’ defense should be.
Moving forward, the Bears will likely focus on developing younger players in the secondary and finding pieces that better fit Eberflus’ defensive scheme. Owens’ departure, while disappointing, could serve as a catalyst for the team to embrace new opportunities and sharpen its focus on building a defense that can compete at a high level in the NFC North.
Matt Eberflus’ remark about Jonathan Owens’ decision to leave may have raised eyebrows, but it underscores the tough decisions coaches must make in the NFL. While Owens’ talent and versatility made him a valuable asset, Eberflus’ belief that the team could be “much better without him” highlights the importance of cohesion, chemistry, and having players who fully buy into the system. As the Bears look to the future, Eberflus will continue to shape a defense that, even without Owens, aims to become a dominant force in the league.