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Bears coach Matt Eberflus defends third-and-15 blitz

Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images

Browns tight end David Njoku is tackled in the fourth quarter Sunday.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus joked last week he’d compensate for the injury to edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue thusly: “blitz every snap.” He didn’t do that Sunday, but he did blitz on the most important play of the 20-17 loss.

On third-and-15 from the Browns’ 47 with the game tied and 56 seconds left, Eberflus blitzed cornerback Kyler Gordon, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and safety Jaquan Brisker. Defensive tackle Justin Jones dropped into coverage, and quarterback Joe Flacco dropped a pass over his head, to tight end David Njoku, who turned and ran upfield for a 34-yard gain.