Eberflus gives injury update on Teven Jenkins, proud of run game against Rams |
CHICAGO—In their 24-18 victory against the Los Angeles Rams this past Sunday, the Chicago Bears finally got their run game going.
Head coach Matt Eberflus said there were numerous factors contributing to the 131 total rushing yards in that game, including 93 rushing yards and a touchdown from running back D’Andre Swift. “It was just detail in terms of the (blocks), guys being on the details. I thought it was the runners. The runners did a really good job of running downhill. The types of runs were a little bit different, a little bit more downhill-type of runs, and the perimeter blocking was good. The reason you make those explosive plays is the perimeter blocking is there as well. So, it takes all 11 of the guys to get that done, and the detail was really good,” Eberflus said. “Just (Swift) working, him trying to find answers in terms of what he could do better, and he asked several people that same question, and he really took to heart what people were saying to him. His running back coach, the offensive coordinator, he asked me about it … It comes down to doing the ordinary extraordinary, and that’s what he did (Sunday).” Despite the successful run game, the Bears did lose one of their offensive linemen. Offensive lineman Teven Jenkins left the game and was not able to return. When he exited the game, Nate Davis had to enter at right guard and shift Matt Pryor to left guard. This may be the case for Chicago going into their next game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Oct. 6 (Noon / FOX), as Eberflus revealed Monday that Jenkins has a bruised rib. “Teven’s got a bruised rib, and that’s all we have right now. We’ll see where it is. It’s day-to-day,” Eberflus said. “We’ll make a designation (on Wednesday) and see where he goes.” Offensively, the Bears still have a lot to clean up. They finished the game with ten tackles for 84 yards, and many of those penalties came from the offense. These things need to be eliminated throughout the rest of the season. “Every single week, we grow as a football team … We grow as a football team and get better every single week. That’s what you have to do in this league, and we’re getting better. So, this week’s no different,” Eberflus said. “Negative plays, however, they come - by the penalty or getting a TFL or a sack - those are all negative things that you need to eliminate the best you can. There’s always going to be a couple of those in the game. But, we got to be able to overcome those too.” Defensively, the Bears defense has been just about whatever was expected. Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson has only allowed three completions for 62 yards and opposing quarterbacks have a 13.3 quarterback rating when throwing to him. Chicago’s other Pro Bowler from last season, edge rusher Montez Sweat, has also had a strong start to the season. His top play of the year thus far was against the Rams when he strip-sacked Matthew Stafford. The fumble was recovered by cornerback Kyler Gordon and ultimately set the Bears up for their first touchdown of the game. Sweat said after the game that he felt disrespected on that play because Los Angeles put a tight end on him, although Eberflus noted two guys were assigned to him, and he was still able to make the play. “They actually had two guys assigned to him. I’m not sure if they were fitted up the right way there,” Eberflus said. “But, again, Tez had a great rush and did a nice job with the sack fumble.”
