LeGere: Bears face tough task in ex-teammate McCown

The Bears' defense can expect a bigger challenge from former teammate Josh McCown on Sunday than it got from Vikings rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater last week.

McCown, who parlayed his 109.0 passer rating last season with the Bears into a $10 million two-year deal with Lovie Smith's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, put up better numbers last year than Jay Cutler. His 0.4 interception percentage (1 pick on 224 passes) was the third best in NFL history, according to STATS, Inc.

"Josh was a tireless worker," said veteran Bears linebacker Lance Briggs. "He was always in the books, he was always studying. We'd walk in the hallway and we'd talk about the game plan.

"(He'd say) if he gets this look, this is where he's going to go. He was like, 'Man, there are so many weapons here.' I want to see him find some success over there, even though he's had a little tough go. He was always a great teammate to be around and a well-loved guy here."

After throwing 4 interceptions and 2 touchdown passes, McCown suffered a thumb injury in Week 3 and didn't return until Week 10. Last week had his best game of the year with a 137.5 passer rating in the Bucs' 27-7 romp over Washington.

"He did a lot of things well," Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker said after watching film of McCown's performance last week. "If there's an open man, he's going to find that man. He did a really good job just with their overall approach in terms of getting the ball out quickly when need be.

"He had really good recognition on some of the pressures that were run against them, and so they were able to make some big plays. He's a tremendous leader. You could tell that he's got command."

Return insurance:

With return specialist Chris Williams nursing a hamstring injury, the Bears got some insurance and created some competition by signing Marc Mariani on Tuesday.

The former Tennessee Titan fielded kicks outdoors, though Wednesday's practice was inside the Walter Payton Center.

"Chris was a little banged up, so we wanted to make sure we were covered," said Bears special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis. "It's an excellent signing. The guy's had some real production in the league, so we'll see how it goes."

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Mariani made the Pro Bowl as a return specialist after his rookie season in 2010 but missed the last two seasons with injuries.

"He's got great returner mechanics," DeCamillis said. "He runs through the ball on kickoff returns. He catches punts like textbook. He's tough, and he can make people miss in space. It's just unfortunate that he's been hurt. He had a good preseason for (the Titans) this year."

Private screening:

A defensive-players-only film session last week preceded the 21-13 victory over the Vikings, the Bears' best defensive effort of the season.

"We talked last week about everyone needing to do more," said defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, who suggested the idea to defensive leaders Lance Briggs and Jared Allen. "Players and coaches together, just looking to take it up a notch. I think that was an effort on their part to take some extra time together as a unit. I thought that was a positive. I think it paid off for us."

Injury report:

Nine players, including five starters, did not practice Wednesday, although three of the starters did not have injuries.

Wide receivers Brandon Marshall (ankle) and Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) were idle, along with running back Matt Forte, defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff and linebacker Lance Briggs, who were rested. Defensive tackle Ego Ferguson (illness), defensive end Trevor Scott (knee), linebacker Darryl Sharpton (hamstring) and wide receiver-return specialist Chris Williams (hamstring) also did not practice.

Offensive linemen Eben Britton (illness) and Jordan Mills (ribs) and wide receiver Josh Morgan (shoulder) were limited.