Washington says lack of physicality wasn't an issue in blowout loss to 49ers |
CHICAGO—Defensive coordinator Eric Washington’s first time calling defensive plays this season for the Chicago Bears went about as bad as it could this past Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Chicago allowed over 300 yards to San Francisco in the first half and gave up 38 points.
“Last week’s performance on the defensive side of the ball, (clearly), we failed to meet the mark in terms of anything that could be considered an acceptable performance, and that starts with me,” Washington said. “We’ve identified, looked at, scrutinized, gone through every aspect of our process, our preparation tactically (and) strategically, some of the core values and beliefs that we have and I expect us to respond, to follow through and to put forth a type of performance that will lead to us giving ourselves a chance to win a football game and to actually win it.” San Francisco has always been a physical team, and they appeared to outdo the Bears in physicality in Chicago's embarrassing loss. However, despite the lopsided performance, which included missed tackles and being beaten at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, Washington feels physicality was not an issue. “Our physicality wasn’t an issue as far as I was able to see and review after the game. First couple of plays in the run game, we were as physical. (Defensive lineman) Gervon Dexter, (cornerback) Tyrique (Stevenson), at the point of attack, it was outstanding. That part I have no issue with,” Washington said. “So, that wasn’t something that I looked at. (We) were physical. There were other things, other issues that came up and we have to make sure we clear those up.” It is not possible that lack of physicality is not an issue, particularly on the defensive line. They have been outmatched all season, including against the 49ers as the Bears only mustered one sack the entire game. Conversely, Chicago’s rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked seven times, making it the fifth game he was sacked at least five times. The pass rush has been a problem all season. The Bears only have 31 sacks and their sack leader, Dexter, has just five sacks. For comparison, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, along with the Detroit Lions, who could only play five games after suffering a season-ending injury, finished the year with 7.5 sacks. At Chicago’s pace, Hutchinson will finish the year with more sacks than anyone on the Bears. Washington acknowledged that Chicago has a problem on the defensive line but does not seem to acknowledge the severity of this problem. “Anytime we’re in a situation where we’re facing a passing concept, it all starts with our ability to affect the quarterback and anytime the quarterback is able to stand back there, then receivers are going to break open whether you’re in a zone or man concept,” Washington said. “So, it starts with rushing coverage. We have to do a better job with that.” This coming Monday (7 p.m. / ABC) will be the second matchup for the Bears against the Minnesota Vikings this season. The previous game a few weeks ago resulted in Chicago’s first overtime loss of the season after a successful onside kick and a field goal by the Bears forced overtime. Tight end T.J. Hockenson caused problems for Chicago throughout that game, especially on the final drive. He finished that game with seven receptions for 114 yards, unquestionably his best performance all season. “Very good receiver, good speed, good possession. We have to make sure we know where he is. They will move him around pre-snap,” Washington said. “They’ll slide him back and forth across the formation and so, we have to definitely make sure that the assignments - the people who are assigned to him or aware of that - and we execute within our concepts.” Part of what allowed Hockenson to get so many looks was the attention the Bears gave elite wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who is second in the NFL in receiving yards. Chicago shut down Jefferson, only allowing him to have two catches for 27 yards. But, they could not contain fellow receiver Jordan Addison, who Washington says has a very similar skill set to Jefferson. “(Addison)’s almost a clone of Jefferson - great speed, possession receiver, understands the open areas and specific coverage concepts, zones and man principles, how to create separation,” Washington said. “So, very similar skill set to Jefferson and he’s become a reliable target for (quarterback) Sam Darnold.” Chicago will need to at least semi-contain Jefferson, Hockenson, and Addison if it is to win this game. It will also need to stop running back Aaron Jones, who put up over 100 rushing yards the last time the two teams faced each other.
