Matt Eberflus’ H.I.T.S. principle an ‘eye-opener’ for Bears

Bears cornerback Davontae Harris (16) reaches for a muffed punt that eventually was recovered by teammate Elijah Hicks for a touchdown against the Seahawks last week. (Caean Couto, AP Photos)

For Bears center Sam Mustipher, the H.I.T.S. principle that emphasizes hustle, intensity and playing smart should have been the easiest part of the transition from Matt Nagy to Matt Eberflus.

Mustipher has been living the H.I.T.S. principle most of his football career. It’s how he became a starter at Notre Dame after playing on the scout team as a freshman. It’s how he became a starter in the NFL after being on the practice squad as an undrafted free agent as a rookie. He’s the embodiment of the H.I.T.S. principle.