Mark Potash

Cairo Santos had no issues with the operation on the play that doomed the Bears. "The ball looked right on target. I like the way I hit the ball. Maybe if I hit it a little higher that doesn’t happen. But they got enough penetration to make a play and credit to them."

With Thomas Brown calling the plays, Caleb Williams found an offensive rhythm in a reassuring performance. But the field goal unit failed at the most inopportune moment — with a chance to win the game.

The rookies combined for back-to-back pass plays that got the Bears out of a hole in the final two minutes — 16 yards on third-and-19 and 21 yards on fourth-and-three. “When it comes to two-minute … it's find your one-on-ones and find your guys,” Williams said.

Even Dan Campbell — whose risk-taking has fueled the Lions rise to Super Bowl contention — takes the conservative approach in similar situations. For Eberflus, it was an ill-fated decision that was magnified because he's gotten so many other things wrong this season.

Williams and the Bears' offense face a big test vs. the Vikings' fourth-ranked defense Sunday at Soldier Field. But after taking a step forward vs. the Packers' 10th-ranked defense, the progress — however modest — seems more real than previous offensive upticks.

“We just gotta get to our technique more quickly and more violently than our opponent. That's what needs to happen to firm it up there,” the Bears' special teams coordinator said. “And I'm looking forward to our guys responding this week and getting that done.”

The Cheat sheet: The Bucs, Dolphins and Packers are top plays Best Bet BRONCOS at RAIDERS Time: 3:05 p.m., CBS 2.

The Cheat Sheet: The Bucs, Dolphins and Packers are the top plays. Best Bet BRONCOS at RAIDERS Time: 3:05 p.m., CBS 2.

If the Bears beat the odds and rally to finish 9-8, Eberflus' contribution has to be more than promoting Thomas Brown to replace Shane Waldron. He has to be the reason they win. The Bears not only have to win for Eberflus to survive, they have to be well-coached.

Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams — and the Bears' protection scheme — faces a big challenge from the Vikings' blitzing front. The Bears' defense has to find a way to contain Vikings record-setting wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Stopping the run would be a good start.