The Bears are back in the spotlight with HBO’s Hard Knocks. But not everyone’s thrilled about the cameras rolling. Critics have raised eyebrows over the team’s decision to showcase rookie QB Caleb Williams, who’s faced plenty of backlash. While some might be sweating the limelight, head coach Matt Eberflus is all about keeping it real. 

On the Pat McAfee Show, the Bears’ HC was seen doubling down on authenticity as his team dives into Hard Knocks this season. Eberflus emphasized his mantra: “Be authentic, be yourself.” He sees the cameras as a chance to showcase the true essence of his players because, let’s face it, the Bears carry one of the most intriguing storylines in the league. “We’re already doing all things right—we respect each other, we work hard, we got great relationships in the building and out of that—and that’s gonna be enough. And the guys have done that. We’re really focused on our work and our work is getting ready for our first game. Every day’s gotta count; we got to improve every single day.” 

For Chicago’s coach, the process is smooth sailing, with Hard Knocks staying in the background while the team focuses on what matters most—prepping for their first game. He added, “Hard Knocks does a wonderful job of staying in the background and letting us handle our business, and I think they’ve done a wonderful job. It’s been a seamless process.”

The Bears are splitting up with optimism this season. With Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick from USC, joining the ranks, the team’s potential is sky-high. They’ve also added key players like WR Keenan Allen and Washington’s Rome Odunze—and running back D’Andre Swift—fueling hopes for a standout season. Eberflus, who’s no stranger to the Hard Knocks grind from his time with the Colts as DC in 2021, is finding this season’s spotlight a whole new game. “We’re excited about the message we’ll send,” he added.

While the Bears are revving up for a big season, Caleb Williams is already catching flak. The rookie QB’s hype train is drawing mixed reviews, making his Hard Knocks spotlight all the more riveting.

Williams’ brief bag moment sparks a fashion frenzy on Hard Knocks  

It’s not all about football drama on HBO’s Hard Knocks—sometimes, the small stuff steals the show. Fans are flipping out over a quick shot of Caleb Williams carrying what looks like a purse or ‘man bag.’ 

In the show’s latest episode on Max, Williams was chatting with HC Matt Eberflus when he stood up, and a quick glimpse of his bag snagged viewers’ attention. This blink-and-you-miss-it moment has social media lit up again, bringing back chatter about his college fashion, nail painting, and quirky clothing choices. Since arriving at Halas Hall for OTAs, his fashion has flown under the radar, but this clip has brought it back into the spotlight.

Despite all the online buzz, some Bears like Shane Waldron, T.J. Edwards, and Gervon Dexter haven’t even caught the episode yet. Edwards, who went through a similar rookie initiation in Philly, isn’t sweating the drama, calling it just part of the show’s charm. Even Theo Benedet’s wild “Speedo” moment couldn’t steal the thunder from Williams’ bag.

As the cameras roll at Halas Hall, everyone’s watching to see if Williams and the Bears can turn all this buzz into serious on-field action.