Bears: Roquan Smith sends strong message to his peers
It wasn’t pretty for the Chicago Bears' defense in the team’s 49-29 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas (6-2) poured it on the Bears (3-5) all game long, scoring six offensive touchdowns with running back Tony Pollard accounting for three on the ground. It wasn’t just that the Cowboys were scoring that caused a point […]
It wasn’t pretty for the Chicago Bears' defense in the team’s 49-29 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas (6-2) poured it on the Bears (3-5) all game long, scoring six offensive touchdowns with running back Tony Pollard accounting for three on the ground.
It wasn’t just that the Cowboys were scoring that caused a point of frustration for Bears fans, but it was how they were scoring. Pollard was running through holes big enough to drive a pickup truck through en route for 131 yards on 14 carries.
Bears star linebacker Roquan Smith was disgusted by his unit’s effort, calling the defense’s performance “embarrassing” after the loss.
Bears safety Eddie Jackson followed up on Smith's comments, describing the loss as "frustrating.
While Smith was part of the problem on Sunday, registering just five tackles in the game, it’s rare to hear one of the team’s leader call out his group like this. Though he was likely including himself in this message, it’s certainly something the team will look to correct.
Playing on a short week with a new offense is difficult as it is, but asking QB Justin Fields to hang 50 points on the NFL’s best defense is too tall of a task.
If it’s any consolation, Fields continues to ascend as the season moves along. He is looking like a completely different player than Bears fans had seen through the team’s first six games.
If this team has any shot to succeed this season they are going to have to rely on the defense. While most Bears fans might consider this to be a rebuild win after watching Fields’ development, it’s clear that Smith still has a high standard for his defense.
Featured image via Jerome Miron – USA TODAY Sports
