Bears defense tries to maintain morale, all agree the team needs a win
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (CBS) -- On a dreary Thursday, the Bears defense tried to keep their spirits up amidst all the turmoil on the offensive side.
It was just this past Monday when the Bears fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron after just nine games. In that time, the Bears have ranked ninth worst in the NFL in points per game (19.4), third worst in yards per game (277.7) and passing yards per game (169.6), and ninth worst in rushing yards per game (108.1). Chicago's offense also ranks bottom three in yards per play (4.3), third down percentage (28.7%) and sacks allowed (38).
Bears defensive Coordinator Eric Washington has experience with this situation having been with the Buffalo Bills last year, when they likewise fired their offensive coordinator, Ken Dorsey, midseason.
"One of the things that I had to do as a coach on that staff in that situation was just make sure I kept the guys, our players focused, our staff focused—and that we continue to reach for a higher performance; a higher level of performance and execution," Washington said.
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson said he does not care who is calling plays for the Bears offense—they just need a win.
"Just reset, like I said, and just continue to be hungry," Johnson said. "I mean, just our energy, our practice is great—just trying to get back, really, to who we are, and I think it just starts in practice."
That win is especially needed with the Bears having lost three straight this season—and 10 straight against the Green Bay Packers, whom they will be playing this coming Sunday.
"It would mean a lot. We've been getting our ass whooped for a long time now. So I mean, I don't got a win, so it would mean a lot to me personally," Johnson said, "so I'm just looking forward to matchup, again; of course, the rivalry in itself, but they've got some good guys lot of respect for the head coach and what he does on the offensive side of the ball."
There is some positive injury news for the Bears. Montez Sweat returned to practice after being out Wednesday, and both starting offensive tackles Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones practiced for a second straight day.