Washington on facing Drake Maye, Rhamondre Stevenson and Hunter Henry |
CHICAGO - The Chicago Bears cannot seem to break a good record. Their loss to the Arizona Cardinals this past Sunday marked the first time since 1998 that the Bears have lost to the Cardinals in Arizona. That game was also the last time Chicago scored under 10 points against Arizona.
Despite the performance from the Bears on both sides of the ball, defensive coordinator Eric Washington is proud of how his defense performed. “Walking out of the locker room and watching the way we competed on that first series going three and out, I saw the same things that I see in practice, that I’ve seen throughout the entire season,” Washington said. “We’ve had standout, complete performances. (Sunday) was a day that (happens) to the best of us. The resolve and the (mental) toughness and the eagerness to get back out on the football field and to right our ship, I have all the confidence in the world in our guys.” Chicago’s loss to the Cardinals highlights just how different things are for the Bears compared to right before their bye week when they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 35-16 in London. It also shows how poor Chicago has been on the road this year as they are winless in road games. Playing the New England Patriots at home this coming Sunday (Noon / FOX). However, Washington says it will be a challenge for this defense as rookie quarterback Drake Maye has performed well the past few games, as well as running back Rhamondre Stevenson. “This offense that we’re getting ready to face - rookie quarterback, another person that can extend plays, that can make off-scheduled plays and that has done a lot with his on the ground scrambling,” Washington said. “So, we have to do an excellent job of taking (that) away (from) him and also stopping their rushing attack. Stevenson has done a really good job. Big, physical guy. Breaks a lot of tackles.” Maye has been the starter for New England since week six. In the four games with him as a starter, tight end Hunter Henry has 28 targets, 23 receptions and 234 yards. He also got his first receiving touchdown of the season from Maye. Washington said containing Henry will be key for Chicago’s defense in order for the Bears to win this game. “Hunter Henry is the kind of go-to guy for this quarterback. He finds the open spaces on the football field in terms of making himself available when things start to break down,” Washington said. “He’s a reliable target. Very good receiver not only in the underneath passing game, but as we start to work deep. So, we have to make sure that we keep him contained.” With all of the injuries the Bears have on both sides of the line, there are a lot of concerns going into this game. Defensive tackle Andrew Billings just had surgery Thursday and was placed on injured reserve (IR), guaranteeing he will be out for at least the next four games although it would not be surprising if he missed the remainder of the season. “Andrew, just a big, physical guy. He’s elevated his game this year in terms of being able to affect the quarterback. He can play from his position to the sidelines. So, there’s no replacing Andrew and besides that, his leadership, the example that he sets every single day in the meeting rooms and on the practice field,” Washington said. “We’ll step up behind him. But, it’s something that you don’t replace a person like that, a pro like that. But, I have tremendous confidence in the players that will step into that position and give us a chance to go out and do the things that we need to do.” Edge rusher Montez Sweat (shin) and defensive lineman Darrell Taylor (knee) were both limited in practice on Wednesday, although Sweat was able to practice in full on Thursday. Safety Jaquan Brisker is still dealing with a concussion and most likely will not play Sunday while cornerback Kyler Gordon (hamstring) and Terell Smith (ankle) were limited on both Wednesday and Thursday. So, the Bears have a lot of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. Nonetheless, Washington is confident in the depth of this team. “We like our depth. Our standout players are who they are and what they add to our defense,” Washington said. “But, we like the people that we have rotated in the game.”
