Returning to practice Monday, the Bears revealed a fresh outlook.

Posted by Jeff Joniak in Jeff Joniak on Monday, November 16, 2009 | no responses

Returning to practice Monday, the Bears revealed a fresh outlook.
Maybe three days off after losing twice in five days gives everyone involved perspective.
There is much to be done, and no room for error. Some teams in the NFC playoff picture fell back to the Bears Sunday. However, they are seeded 11th for now.
“We have to win out,” said Tommie Harris. “We have no room to get any more losses…then you lose again you (going) to be hoping another team loses to get in. You don’t want to be in that position. We (were) in that position last year.”
With a 2-and-4 conference record, the Bears are not…”tie breaker” friendly. They still have six games against NFC opponents, including the Vikings twice.
It will require a vastly different performance on both side of the ball than what we’ve seen over the last month.
“You are what your record says,” Lovie Smith said. “We’re a four and five team right now with potential to do better.”
The Bears will have to clean up in a number of areas.
  1. Red-zone offense
  2. Turnover margin
  3. Improved running game
  4. Productive pass rush
“I feel like we’re strong, but we have to go out there and show it,” said Harris. “We could talk all day…say all what we want to do and all this other stuff…it just comes down to doing it.”
EAGLES WATCH
Philadelphia arrives as a wildcard contender at 5-and-4, but with a two-game losing streak. The Eagles are banged up in the secondary, where eroding depth is complicating the way they play defense.
Running back Brian Westbrook is unlikely to play Sunday after suffering his second concussion in a month against San Diego.
However, Donovan McNabb will put the ball in the air early and often against the Bears. He threw it 55 times in San Diego, but had problems finishing drives in the red zone.
His receivers are fast and talented and it will be a big task for the Bears secondary. DeSean Jackson is a budding star, while Jeremy Maclin is developing quickly.
BEARS INJURIES
No official report is available until Wednesday. However, rookie safety Al Afalava(shoulder) returned to practice. Cornerback Zack Bowman(abdomen) missed the second half of the 49ers game, but practiced Monday. Tackle Orlando Pace(concussion) missed some snaps in the fourth quarter, but also practiced Monday.



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