Chicago Bears' Kyle Long looking forward to learning experience
Kyle Long, who was playing right tackle in a game for the first time Sunday, got beat by future Hall of Famer Julius Peppers for a sack and struggled against some difficult challenges.
"One thing that we always emphasize is, you never want to make the same mistake twice," Long said. "I had an opportunity to make a lot of mistakes (Sunday). It's a learning experience. You can take some positives from that."
The two-time Pro Bowl guard also showed why he has the skills to make a position switch with just one week of practice to help the team.
"I thought it was a mixed bag, and that's not picking on any one player," coach John Fox said when asked about Long. "I think we were a mixed bag (as a team). Heck, I didn't know what to expect, and I coach the team.
"We've adjusted some in the offensive line. These aren't excuses. It's just reality. (Sunday) was the first time I ever watched (wide receiver Alshon Jeffery) play a live football game. With time I think we should get better, and knowing those guys, they'll work hard to get better."
Even though the Bears took measures to hide the O-line shuffle by not acknowledging it, the Packers schemed to throw extra challenges at Long.
"I knew I was going to get everything and then some in terms of looks and stunts and twists and blitzes," Long said. "That's part of the game. I'm fresh blood in the water. They want to see what the deal is over there. So I embraced the challenge."
Not all bad: The Bears' defense had its problems against the Packers as almost every team does, but it also had its moments, including when it forced a three-and-out midway through the fourth quarter to keep the game close.
That stand also made coach John Fox's decision to go for a touchdown on fourth-and-goal from the Packers' two-yard line on the preceding possession look good, even when the Bears turned the ball over on downs.
The Packers, leading 24-16, took just 93 seconds off the clock before punting it back, and Marc Mariani's 11-yard punt return allowed the Bears to start their drive at the Green Bay 41-yard line.
"That was pretty critical because we got the ball back after their punt, so we were kind of right back where we were before," Fox said. "And that was key. If you let them drive (98) yards, obviously it's not quite as good a decision."
Bringing back memories: The first five years of safety Antrel Rolle's 11-year career were spent with the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday's opponent at Soldier Field.
"I had a great career there," said Rolle, who was the Cardinals' first-round pick (No. 8 overall) in 2005. "I had a great time there. Went to a Super Bowl. That didn't end the way we wanted it to end, but I had a lot of friendships there - a lot of great bonds."
The Cardinals lost Super Bowl XLIII to the Steelers 27-23 and went to the playoffs the next year, the first of three Pro Bowl seasons for Rolle.
"That group was a lot like this group," Rolle said. "We weren't good my first two years there (10 total wins). We weren't always the most athletic team, we weren't always the most talented team, but we played together and we played fast, and we fought. We fought with every inch of our body, and this team is going to get to that. I'm pretty sure of that."
He's back:
Linebacker Sam Acho, whose contract was terminated Saturday, was re-signed Monday. Defensive end Cornelius Washington, who suffered what Bears coach John Fox said was a right-quad strain in Sunday's loss, was placed on injured reserve.
Acho missed two weeks of practice with what the Bears called "an illness" before he was cut. He started 32 games over the previous four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals and has career totals of 86 tackles, 13 sacks, 16 tackles for a loss, 7 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 3 interceptions and 8 pass breakups.
Washington has appeared in 16 games for the Bears over three seasons (2013-15) with 7 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss and 7 special teams tackles.
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