Playoffs may be long shot, but motivation still there for Chicago Bears

The playoffs are no longer a realistic goal for the 1-6 Bears, but coaches and players say motivation hasn't been a problem as they prepared to host the 5-1 Minnesota Vikings.

"We haven't had to do that, at least I haven't had to do that with the defensive guys," defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. "They've played hard. I don't think anybody can fault our effort, our intensity, our intentions up to this point, in spite of the record. That hasn't been a problem, yet."

Two of the last three losses have been by less than 7 points - 29-23 to the Colts and 17-16 to the Jaguars - so that provides encouragement for some.

"Just keep working hard," a slightly peeved Alshon Jeffery said. "I mean, we're close. Just a few plays here and there, we win a game. This is the NFL. Don't matter what the record is; anybody can be beat."

One giant step:

After getting his feet wet during 19 unproductive snaps in his first game action in more than 10 months last week against the Packers, outside linebacker Pernell McPhee was asked about the next step.

"Just dominate anybody across from me, that's it," said McPhee, who continues working his way back from arthroscopic knee surgery. "That's the main focus. Don't worry about what happened in the past. When I get the opportunity to get out on the field, no matter what the situation is, just go out and dominate the guy across."

That's a huge step from his 2016 debut, but McPhee remains confident.

"Mentally, I have already done it, and now it's just going to be the physical part Monday, which I am going to do, dominate," he said. "The main thing is just to tune in. It's going to be very exciting."

Good to be back:

Critics of Jay Cutler were quick to jump on the Brian Hoyer bandwagon after Hoyer had back-to-back games with passer ratings of 120.1 and 120.0.

But offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said Cutler was missed.

"He's our starting quarterback, so he was missed every week that he didn't play," Loggains said. "Brian did a nice job stepping in and filling that role, but there's nothing like having your starter out there at any position."

Waiting in the wings:

With slot receiver Eddie Royal (toe) doubtful, there is a chance rookie Daniel Braverman could be promoted from the practice squad.

"He's doing a good job in practice," offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said. "He continues to get better and he'll continue to get work (in practice)."

Braverman, a seventh-round pick from Western Michigan, was not on the 53-man roster for any of the first seven games.

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