The Bears have lost three games in a row, and angst and frustration are at a season-high for the team's players and coaches. After losing on Sunday to Green Bay 55-14, members of the organization admitted the team had underperformed and that the level of play was not where they or the team's fans expect.
On Monday, those sentiments were repeated over local airways. Players and coaches admitted that the loss to the Packers stung, especially since it followed a 51-23 loss to New England and the team's bye week. They also stated that all hope hasn't been lost, and that there is a real confidence the Bears can turn things around, starting with Sunday's home game against the Vikings, which begins a stretch of five games at Soldier Field over the next six weeks.
"We need to start with our confidence," wide receiver Brandon Marshall told listeners on WMVP-AM 1000's 'Waddle and Silvy Show.' "We are in the winning business and we understand that this comes with the business. Unfortunately, sometimes you don't get a lot of opportunities. But I will say, sometimes tough moments in life... it builds character, it builds something strong that propels you to something great. I don't think you give up now."
Coach Marc Trestman agreed with his wide receiver, that the team shouldn't give up all hope. Speaking on WBBM-AM 780's 'Chicago Bears Coaches Show' on Monday evening, Trestman stressed that while the results have been nowhere near where the team desired, there is a strong belief that the effort and preparation are there. The team just needs to figure out how to bring its work from the practice field and translate it to game conditions.
However, with the quick turnaround of the NFL schedule, there is little time for that. The Bears will spend no more than 48 hours reviewing the loss to Green Bay and trying to correct their mistakes before moving on to game-planning and preparing for Minnesota.
"We went into the season with high expectations. They certainly aren't lost, but we have to be honest with ourselves as to where we are," Trestman said. "Our focus has to move quickly, with little reflection but with some, because it will help us move forward."
One thing that will not change, at least at the present time, is the coaching staff. Trestman confirmed that on Monday at his daily press conference and repeated them on his radio show.
Marshall said that was for the best, telling listeners on his show that the coach is "our guy" and the right person to lead the team. Instead, according to the wide receiver, the blame for the poor results should be aimed at players, who have not lived up to expectations.
With seven games remaining, the receiver is still confident that a turn-around can take place, if the players can escape the current rut they are in.
"At the end of the day, we're all professionals and we have to go play," Marshall said. "The reality of it is, we are sitting at 3-6. For us to get into the playoffs, we have to win seven in a row, and that can be done. So I would just say let's start with this game against Minnesota, I want the fans to come out there and just really back us."
Marshall, who scored Chicago's only offensive touchdown in the Week 10 loss to the Packers, sprained his ankle in the game. He said that while he was in pain, he didn't think the injury would keep him out of the game against Minnesota.
