There are multiple reasons why coach Matt Eberflus is confident that the Bears will get off to a much stronger start this season than they did last year.

"Just what we see on the grass," Eberflus said Wednesday at Halas Hall. "And we were much healthier throughout the course of training camp. Last year we dealt with a bunch of injuries, a bunch of guys out at certain key spots, so I think that hurt the continuity of the group. I know we lost a couple guys to injury early on in the season as well."

Last year injuries to key players contributed to the Bears' 0-4 start. They're much healthier entering this season, and the upgrades that general manager Ryan Poles made to the roster have increased competition.

"I think that's really helped us in the skill positions, at the line position, the quarterback, all positions," Eberflus said.

The Bears coach stressed the significance of getting off to a fast start to his team. From 1990-2022, the percentage of NFL teams that made the playoffs after four games was as follows: 4-0 (83.9%), 3-1 (64.3%), 2-2 (37.1%), 1-3 (14.5%) and 0-4 (1.0%).

"I think it's always important," Eberflus said. "Just look at the numbers, look at who makes it to the postseason. They start fast. I showed that to the guys in the spring. They're at least 2-2, most are 3-1 and a couple were 4-0 in the NFC. So we did talk about that. The guys understand how important it is to start fast."

Clear and concise

Eberflus lauded first-year offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, describing him as an outstanding teacher and great communicator who works well with players.

"[He] understands skill sets and how to work with those guys in terms of what they do well," Eberflus said. "And we're still formulating for that as we go through the season. We'll be doing that the whole time and adjusting as we go. But that's what we like. He's able to adjust. His teaching methods are really clear and concise. And the guys can really pick them up well and fast."

Eberflus also credited Waldron with partnering well with returning position coaches Jim Dray (tight ends) and Chris Morgan (offensive line) in addition to newcomers Kerry Joseph (quarterbacks), Chad Morton (running backs) and Chris Beatty (receivers).

"Excited about [Waldron's] leadership and excited about where he's taking the offense," Eberflus said.

Good lessons

Eberflus still leans on his mentor, Gary Pinkel, for advice. Eberflus played linebacker for Pinkel at Toledo in 1991 and coached under him with the Rockets from 1992-2000. The Bears coach then accompanied Pinkel to Missouri, serving as defensive coordinator from 2001-08.

"I was texting with him this morning and one of the lessons I learned from him, first of all, was play the young guys," Eberflus said. "If they're good enough, play them, they get experience, and man, it'll be beneficial for you down the road.

"The second thing he always said was put the skill in position to make plays because they'll do more than you think they can. That's exactly what we're trying to do, put them in position to make plays in space and let their God-given abilities make it a better play than what we even designed. That's what I learned from him, and it's a good lesson."

Injury update

The Bears released their first injury report of the season Wednesday in advance of Sunday's season opener against the Titans at Soldier Field.

Six players were limited in practice: receiver Keenan Allen (heel), running back Roschon Johnson (toe), offensive linemen Ryan Bates (shoulder) and Kiran Amegadjie (quad) and defensive linemen Montez Sweat (toe) and Zacch Pickens (groin).