Matt Eberflus has been in football long enough that he knows not to pay attention to predictions, particularly those that suggest the Chicago Bears could be in for a rough year in his first season as head coach.

However, he knows his players likely see them, and so he said it’s important for his young team to focus on their fundamentals as they open the season Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field.

“In today’s age, everybody looks at everything. It’s part of our life now,” Eberflus said. “You understand, you put that in a bucket. It’s an opinion of somebody’s or it isn’t fact.

“We write our own story. I told the guys that all the time, we’re writing our own book. And then we do it one game at a time. And then you can micro it down to each play. … They go Play 1: alignment, assignment, key, technique, execution, production. Did you get it done? Turn the page. Play No. 2, and that’s the cycle of the snap. That’s what we’ve got to do as a football team and as individuals.”

The Bears bring that approach into a game against an experienced 49ers team that reached the NFC championship game last season.

Their quarterback, however, is not deep on experience.

The game will feature a battle of 2021 first-round quarterbacks Trey Lance, whom the 49ers drafted No. 3, and Justin Fields, whom the Bears picked No. 11.

It will be Lance’s third career start after making two last season. Fields will be making his 11th start after going 2-8 as a starter last year, but it will be his first under Eberflus and new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.

“I just think he’s ready to go,” Eberflus said. “The coaches have done a great job of preparing him to be ready, and he’s excited. … Excited means that you’re focused, you’re prepared and you’re ready to do it.”

Injury report

Bears rookie wide receiver/returner Velus Jones Jr. was listed as doubtful to play with a hamstring injury, while rookie defensive end Dominique Robinson was questionable with a knee injury.

The Bears elevated center Dieter Eiselen from the practice squad Saturday, which could indicate he will be the backup if Lucas Patrick is not able to snap because of a cast on his right hand. Sam Mustipher likely will start at center, but Patrick still potentially could play guard. Eberflus was waiting until game day to reveal the starting offensive line configuration.

For the 49ers, tight end George Kittle missed practice all week with a groin injury and was listed as questionable. Guard Daniel Brunskill is out with a hamstring injury.

Q&A with McCaskey and Phillips

Bears Chairman George McCaskey and Ted Phillips sat down Friday with the Tribune and a reporter from the Chicago Sun-Times to address some of the many questions that come with the search for a new team president.

Here are some of their answers on what the Bears are looking for in the next president, how the Arlington project will be handled as Phillips prepares to depart, how Phillips views his tenure and more. Read more here.

George McCaskey doesn’t ‘anticipate any change in the structure’ as the Bears look for a new team president. But will it be a ‘football person’ this time?

Important Soldier Field update

The Bears resodded Soldier Field with Bermuda grass, replacing the old Kentucky bluegrass.

Eberflus said the change was in the works for some time, though it wasn’t implemented until after Soldier Field hosted German metal band Rammstein’s concert last week.

“We feel it’s going to be a nice surface,” Eberflus said. “It’s going to be a fast surface, which I think lends to help us out. … We want a long, fast, athletic football team. So that lends to our advantage.” Read more here.

Going to a Bears game this season? Here’s what to know if you’re headed to Soldier Field this season.

Justin Fields in Year 2

In the quest to establish Justin Fields as their no-doubt franchise quarterback, the Bears have to set him up for success and keep him in the proper mindset.

There’s more to that than it sounds. For Fields to stay properly calibrated, he must remain in tune with his preparation responsibilities — for himself and the team. He also must have a strong feel for what his new offensive system asks while trusting what each play is designed to accomplish. Read more here.

Miss anything this week? Catch up before kickoff (noon, FOX).

5 things to watch in the Bears season opener — plus our Week 1 picks
Can Bears bring back the Peanut Punch and the Chicago takeaway machine? Charles Tillman gives some tips on how to make it happen.
Column: It’s a big season for the 2021 QB class — and Justin Fields and the Bears will match up against 4 of the top 5
Column: Chicago’s love-hate relationship with Soldier Field begins again with a new Bears season
12 key numbers for the Bears in Week 1
Column: Matt Eberflus’ defense was the NFL’s toughest on 3rd down last year, one scout says. What will that mean for the Bears this season?
Bears Q&A with Brad Biggs: Why is the team at the bottom of NFL power rankings? How will Justin Fields’ progress be measured?
What’s the best way to describe GM Ryan Poles’ 1st roster? 5 questions entering Week 1.
What Alex Leatherwood becomes for the Bears is just another question on an offensive line loaded with them
Bears are closer to full strength at wide receiver. But will Byron Pringle and Velus Jones Jr. be ready for the opener?
Ted Phillips, the Bears President and CEO, plans to retire at the end of the 2022 season

Here’s the latest on the possible stadium move to Arlington Heights.

Bears promise ‘first-class experience’ for fans during stadium meeting in Arlington Heights
Will the Bears leave Soldier Field? Here’s what to know.
Bears show renderings for enclosed stadium complex in Arlington Heights
Mayor Lori Lightfoot unveils Soldier Field dome plan, among 3 proposals to keep Bears from departing for Arlington Heights
What would a potential new Bears stadium be like? Here’s a look at the 7 newest NFL stadiums, from capacity to best amenities.
A Bears move may leave thousands of fans with worthless Soldier Field seat licenses
What are the costs if the Bears bail on Chicago for Arlington Heights?
A Bears move would be a ‘win-win’ to many. But about that traffic and construction …

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