Byard says defense is going to fight to turn things around, gives update on Brisker |
CHICAGO—For a veteran like safety Kevin Byard, who is in his ninth season and still hasn't won a Super Bowl ring, losing when you have the talent to win is frustrating.
Byard has been on many good teams, and because of the talent on this Chicago roster, he believes this group will continue to fight throughout the rest of the season. “This group, this team is resilient. We’re going to fight. We’re going to defend every single blade of grass,” Byard said. “As long as we continue to make them snap the ball, we’re going to keep defending. So, we made some big plays down in the red zone that really kind of kept us in the game a little bit.” It is hard to keep fighting when you keep losing. The Bears have four straight losses. Their last victory was against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London back in October right before the bye week. When you lose to your division rival on a blocked field goal, that is also incredibly difficult. However, Byard said that every loss feels the same, and with the offense making strides like they did this past Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, he believes this team can make a turnaround. “Every loss feels the same, especially when you have some good positive moments within there. But, just losing sucks regardless. Never feels good coming in on Monday, watching the film, making corrections after a loss,” Byard said. “So, we just have to continue to try to keep coming back to work. That’s the only thing I know how to do is keep working and trying to find a way because I think that obviously watching the offense and (rookie quarterback) Caleb (Williams is) making some strides, we get this thing turned around if we continue to just keep getting better.” The safety position is getting a little thin in Chicago. Elijah Hicks rolled his ankle in the loss to Green Bay, putting his availability for next Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings (Noon / FOX) into question. He has seen more playing time since fellow safety Jaquan Brisker has been unable to play due to a concussion. Brisker last played on Sun. Oct. 6 against the Carolina Panthers. The following day, Brisker self-reported concussion symptoms. He has been in concussion protocol ever since and was put on injured reserve (IR) a few days before Chicago’s game against Green Bay. There are questions about whether Brisker will play again this season, if ever. Byard has been in contact with Brisker and said that he is determined to get back out there and play. “It’s just a tough situation. Obviously, before he was hurt, he was playing lights out and to go down with a concussion and to be out for so long, it’s tough. I’ve never had a concussion since I’ve been in the league or especially ones that he’s had. So, it’s very hard … I don’t really know what he’s going through. Obviously, talking to him, he telling about his symptoms. It’s just tough for him because I know he wants to be out there helping the team. When he was able to be in meetings, he was trying to be in meetings, trying to be helpful. It’s just a tough situation overall. Really just feel for him in this situation (because) I know how much he wants to be out there to help the team,” Byard said. “I know he’s determined. He wants to play. I talked to him before they put him on IR. I talked to him (after he was) put on IR. He’s working to get back. That’s all I know.” The earliest Brisker could return is week 15, when Chicago takes on the Minnesota Vikings for the second time on Monday, Dec. 16 (7 p.m. / ABC).
