4 things we learned from the Chicago Bears, including Eric Washington hoping Sunday’s defensive performance was ‘an anomaly’

Chicago Bears coordinators, players and defensive assistant coaches met with reporters Friday at Halas Hall after a practice to prepare for Monday nights road game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Here are four things we learned from those sessions.

Washingtons first go as defensive play caller after replacing Matt Eberflus was a rough one.

The Bears gave up 38 points and 452 yards in the 38-13 loss , and the coordinator took the blame Friday.

Clearly we failed to meet the mark in terms of anything that could be considered an acceptable performance, he said.

And that starts with me.

Washington said the Bears scrutinized their process, preparation, strategy and core values this week as they try to prevent another flop against the Vikings.

But he also said he chooses to believe the game was an anomaly as far as the character of our guys and the way that we perform.

The Bears are about to face Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, who threw for 347 yards and five touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14.

He threw for 330 yards and two TDs in the Vikings 30-27 overtime victory over the Bears in Week 12.

Theyre coming off allowing 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy to throw for 325 yards and total a 145.4 passer rating.

Washington pointed to the pass rush, which sacked Purdy once and had three quarterback hits, as a major culprit.

We have to be better.

Everything starts with rush and coverage, Washington said.

Any time were in a situation where were facing a passing concept, it all starts with our ability to affect the quarterback.

Any time the quarterback is able to stand back there, the receivers are going to break open whether youre in a zone or man concept.

It starts with rush and coverage.

Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) makes a touchdown reception against 49ers safety JiAyir Brown on Dec.

8, 2024, at Levis Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

(John J.

Kim/Chicago Tribune) Odunze had both touchdown catches from Williams against the 49ers a 4-yarder in the third quarter and a 14-yarder in the fourth for his first two-touchdown game.

Beatty said Odunze and Williams have developed a great rapport.

Thats something that is going to be exciting for Bears fans for a long time, I think, Beatty said.

Odunzes four-catch game brought him to 45 catches for 585 yards and three touchdowns this season.

Beatty dubbed him quarterback-friendly, especially for a rookie, because of his advanced route running and knack for moving his body to help his quarterback.

And Beatty has been impressed by his off-the-field approach too.

Hes a special player, but hes also a special person, Beatty said.

Everything that you coach, he takes in.

If you ever saw his notebook, it looks like a college kid thats in whatever kind of business class .

...

You respect that because he wants to learn from everybody.

Whether its Keenan (Allen) talking, DJ (Moore) talking, Im talking, Thomas in the front, hes taking notes with everybody.

Bears defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr.

talks with the medical staff after suffering a knee injury against the 49ers on Dec.

8, 2024, in Santa Clara, Calif.

(Armando L.

Sanchez/Chicago Tribune) Dexter didnt practice for the second straight day as he deals with the injury.

The Bears already are playing without nose tackle Andrew Billings , who is on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle.

Defensive line coach Travis Smith said they would be missing a big, long, disruptive, physical person if Dexter cant go too.

He has a ton of size, length and power that can play the run inside but also penetrate and take away the depth of the pocket, Smith said.

Whether hes in there or not, the next guy still has to find a way to affect the way he does.

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Running back DAndre Swift also missed practice with a groin injury, though Beatty said he thinks Swift could return to practice Saturday.

The Bears are being prudent with his recovery.

Running back Roschon Johnson (concussion) and offensive lineman Ryan Bates (concussion) also sat out Friday.

Safety Elijah Hicks (ankle) and cornerback Josh Blackwell (shoulder) were limited.

Gould was named the head football coach at St.

Viator High School after serving in the same role at Rolling Meadows this past season.

Hightower, who coached Gould with the 49ers, said he will do a hell of a job.

He is as detailed as a person I have ever been around, Hightower said.

He will do a great job at it cause he works his tail off and he really cares, so Im wishing him the best of luck.

Bears tight end Cole Kmet, a St.

Viator alum, also approved.

I know everyones excited at Viator about it, Kmet said.

Itll be cool to see.

Ill be rooting Robbie on heavily here.

Happy for him for sure..

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