Bears coach Matt Nagy mentioned he’s not planning important modifications — in strategy or personnel — within the remaining two video games of the season after the Bears have been eradicated from playoff rivalry Sunday following a 21-13 loss to the Packers at Lambeau Field.
The Bears (7-7) play the Chiefs (10-4) at Soldier Field on Sunday night time, then conclude the season in opposition to the Vikings (10-4) on Dec. 29 at U.S. Bank Stadium.
“We can’t [do] anything about the playoffs — that’s done,” Nagy mentioned. “But what we are able to do is proceed to combat our tails off and coach our tails off and that’s what I’m gonna be searching for — how our guys reply to this example.
“This is the primary time that we’re on this scenario within the two years I’m right here. I understand how our guys will reply. I understand how our coaches will reply. So our essential goal now’s to deal with this sport no otherwise than what it could have been if we might have received [Sunday].”
The Bears can have some choices to make on injured gamers. Defensive finish Akiem Hicks gutted out a sore left elbow he had dislocated beforehand this season in his return from injured reserve in opposition to the Packers on Sunday. He nonetheless may play the ultimate two video games.
“We want to continue keep going forward with him like we’ve been,” Nagy mentioned. “I don’t look at this as changing anything with that. We’ve got to talk through all that and I think that’s the biggest thing, is making sure we’re on the same page. But I know Akiem’s going to want to be out there and playing and helping our defense as much as he can.”
Hicks’ efficiency and energy below duress in opposition to the Packers made an impression on Nagy. Hicks performed just about with one arm at sure factors within the sport. At one level he went to the sideline along with his left arm hanging, however returned for the subsequent collection. He had 4 tackles and two quarterback hits.
“He was unbelievable. I thought he played lights out,” Nagy mentioned. “Even all the stuff, fighting through the aggravations of the injury throughout the game, the way he played and the plays he made [Sunday], that was fun to watch. We missed that.”
Nagy mentioned choices like Hicks — and presumably Danny Trevathan (dislocated elbow) and cornerback Prince Amukamara (hamstring) can be collaborative.
“The one positive that we do here in this building is togetherness,” Nagy mentioned. “We’ll talk through everything, and we’ll make sure it’s the right decisions for all parties. I think that’s the only way to go about it.”
The Bears nonetheless have an opportunity to complete with a successful report for the second consecutive season. That’s not the playoffs. But to Nagy, it beats the choice.
“I really am looking forward to our team finishing and playing really hard these last two games. We can do that,” Nagy mentioned. “And so my message to the blokes is, ‘We’re rolling, man. There’s nothing that modifications.’ It stinks that we are able to’t get to the playoffs. But that’s on us. We made this. So hopefully we be taught from it and keep in mind this sense. But these subsequent two video games are essential to us and we’re gonna play ‘em exhausting.