IT PAINS THEM TO SAY IT
Injuries are a very real part of Bears’ problem, with even Fox acknowledging the ‘ tough cards’
The Bears’ season isn’t over at 0- 3. But it could be soon if they don’t get healthy. Even coach John Fox, who ardently adheres to the “next man up” philosophy and tries to avoid blaming injuries for his team’s predicament, seemed to acknowledge that health is as much of a key to a Bears resurgence as player development and execution.
“A lot of it is getting guys back,” Fox said Monday at Halas Hall when asked if the recovery from 0- 3 will be a long one. “This is a continuity game. Having the same 11 starters is advantageous. So we’re kind of in that mode now . . . getting some continuity built in every phase.”
The reality that the shorthanded Bears just aren’t good enough was evident in a 31- 17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night at AT& T Stadium. A Bears defense without five starters— including linebacker Danny Trevathan, outside linebacker Pernell McPhee and nose tackle Eddie Goldman— barely laid a hand on Cowboys rookie quarterback Dak Prescott. The Bears had no sacks, one quarterback pressure and one tackle for loss in 65 defensive snaps. The Cowboys, meanwhile — already with rookie starters at quarterback and running back— plugged in rookie Chaz Green for injured Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith and gained 447 yards and scored four touchdowns.
“In the first three games, we’ve been thrown some tough cards as far as lineups,” Fox said. “That’s not an excuse— it’s just a reality. We have a young football team, have some new guys that are new to our systems, even more so now with the injuries.”
Under Fox, the Bears have had no problem “going young” as they try to rebuild. Seven rookies and six second- year players played 25 percent or more of the offense/ defensive snaps against the Cowboys. Linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski started for Trevathan in his first NFL game, though he played only 18 snaps. Cornerback Cre’Von LeBlanc started for nickel back Bryce Callahan. Running back Jordan Howard played 49 of 65 snaps, mostly because Jeremy Langford suffered a sprained ankle. ( He’s expected to miss some time.)
But in a twist that typifies the frustration of this rebuild, the Bears might be going too far the other way, with injuries forcing too much youth and inexperience on the field at one time. That has put Fox and his staff in a tough spot.
“Well, it’s all tough— that’s why there’s only 32 of these [ NFL headcoaching jobs],” Fox said. “Our guys understand it. Obviously we liked [ the young players] well enough to bring them here as part of the 53.
“If it was easy, anybody could do it. Nobody rescues you. We just have to get better and get better quickly. I think the mindset and the leadership in that locker room
will help that, and I have confidence that t we’ll improve.”
2 Cornerback Kyle Fuller’s recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery is typical of the Bears’ injury issues. When Fuller had the “clean- up” procedure Aug. 18, the Bears hoped he could return in time for the regular season. Three weeks s in— and nearly six
weeks since the procedure— Fuller’s status still is in doubt.
“He has a sore knee. When we get that healed up, he’ll go,” Fox said.
That’s an all- too- familiar refrain at Halas Hall. Kevin White, Alshon Jeffery and McPhee all have had longer- than- expected absences with seemingly minor ailments.
With that in mind, every injury bears watching. Besides Langford’s sprained ankle safety Harold Jones- Quartey is undergoing concussion protocol.
3 Kwiatkoski had a “Welcome to the NFL” moment right off the bat. He was locked up by Cowboys center Travis Frederick on Ezekiel Elliott’s 21- yard run on the Cowboys’ first play from scrimmage. Kwiatkoski later knocked 6- 4, 315- pound left guard Zack Martin off his feet on a blitz. He had one tackle.
4 The growing pains eventually could pay off for Kwiatkoski and others. Since the bar has been lowered a bit for wide receiver White after his slow start, his six- catch, 62- yard performance against the Cowboys seemed like a breakthrough.
“You could tell he took a step forward,” tight end Zach Miller said. “I think he felt more comfortable . . . a little passionate. You could just tell he got better. And that’s encouraging to see.”
5 Fox didn’t lament the questionable offside call on Jonathan Anderson that nullified Sherrick McManis’ onside kick recovery after a field goal made it 17- 3 in the second quarter.
“It’s a judgment call. It’s not reviewable,” Fox said. “You make your own luck. We just have to execute better and play better for 60 minutes.”
6 Brian Hoyer’s 93.7 passer rating ( 30- for- 49, 317 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions) was the best by a Bears backup other than Josh McCown in the Jay Cutler era and fifth- best overall in 16 starts by backups.
7 The Bears’ offensive issues have put some heat on firstyear coordinator Dowell Loggains. The offense has scored 38 points in three games ( 12.7 per game)— fewest in the NFL.
“Like everybody, it’s not good — that’s no indictment of Dowell or anybody else,” Fox said. “All our signatures are on it. It’s 0- 3.”
8 For What It’s Worth Department: The Bears’ next three opponents are a combined 2- 7: the Detroit Lions ( 1- 2), the Indianapolis Colts ( 1- 2) and the Jacksonville Jaguars ( 0- 3).
9 Ex- Bears Player of the Week: Safety Chris Conte had eight tackles and a fumble recovery for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 37- 32 loss at Los Angeles. 10 Bear- ometer: 4- 12— vs. Lions ( W); at Colts ( L); vs. Jaguars ( W); at Packers ( L); vs. Vikings ( L); at Bucs ( L); at Giants ( L); vs. Titans ( W); vs. 49ers ( L); at Lions ( L); vs. Packers ( L); vs. Redskins ( W); at Vikings ( L).