Bears' Defense Relys on Unlikely Backup: "We're Counting on Everybody"
The Chicago Bears' defense has been dealt a significant blow with injuries to several key players. In response, head coach Dennis Allen highlighted the team's emphasis on teamwork and preparation, saying that "we're counting on everybody in this room."
Allen's comments came after linebacker D'Marco Jackson led the team with 15 tackles against the Steelers, filling in for injured middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. However, unlike some of his backup counterparts, who were not expected to play due to injury or lack of preparation, Allen was unfazed by Jackson's performance.
"It's a non-stop process," Allen explained when asked about Jackson's rapid transition into the starting lineup. "You can't do that in one week. You have to study the game plan, pay attention in meetings, and be prepared each and every week."
The Bears' coaching staff has made it clear that they expect all players to contribute, regardless of their level of experience or injury status. As Allen put it, "we're trying to build here where everybody feels like they're a part of this and they've got accountability to each other."
While the team's injury report lists several key players as non-participants, including cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and defensive end Dominique Robinson, others who were listed as questionable - such as linebacker Noah Sewell and cornerback Jaylon Johnson - played full participation roles in practice.
The Bears' defense has now been forced to rely on a mix of veteran players and backups to fill the void left by injured starters. With several key players out, Jackson's performance against the Steelers was seen as a promising sign that the team is capable of adapting and succeeding despite adversity.
"We're counting on everybody in this room," Allen reiterated, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and preparation in the face of injury. As the Bears look to navigate the remainder of their season, it remains to be seen whether this approach will pay off.
The Chicago Bears' defense has been dealt a significant blow with injuries to several key players. In response, head coach Dennis Allen highlighted the team's emphasis on teamwork and preparation, saying that "we're counting on everybody in this room."
Allen's comments came after linebacker D'Marco Jackson led the team with 15 tackles against the Steelers, filling in for injured middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. However, unlike some of his backup counterparts, who were not expected to play due to injury or lack of preparation, Allen was unfazed by Jackson's performance.
"It's a non-stop process," Allen explained when asked about Jackson's rapid transition into the starting lineup. "You can't do that in one week. You have to study the game plan, pay attention in meetings, and be prepared each and every week."
The Bears' coaching staff has made it clear that they expect all players to contribute, regardless of their level of experience or injury status. As Allen put it, "we're trying to build here where everybody feels like they're a part of this and they've got accountability to each other."
While the team's injury report lists several key players as non-participants, including cornerback Tyrique Stevenson and defensive end Dominique Robinson, others who were listed as questionable - such as linebacker Noah Sewell and cornerback Jaylon Johnson - played full participation roles in practice.
The Bears' defense has now been forced to rely on a mix of veteran players and backups to fill the void left by injured starters. With several key players out, Jackson's performance against the Steelers was seen as a promising sign that the team is capable of adapting and succeeding despite adversity.
"We're counting on everybody in this room," Allen reiterated, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and preparation in the face of injury. As the Bears look to navigate the remainder of their season, it remains to be seen whether this approach will pay off.