Stretch of bad football lowers bar for Bears

There's nothing like six losses in seven games, including a four-game losing streak, to lower expectations.

"As much as anything, we just want to play better football," coach Lovie Smith said. "We're better than that. We just want to play the type of ball that we should be able to play as far as our talent. That starts with me. I've got to do a lot better job with our team to get them to play up to the standards that we've set."

Smith took over the defensive play-calling duties this season and in three of the last six losses, the Bears have allowed more than 35 points. Smith said he understands the increased scrutiny that he's been subjected to during the extended slump, which spoiled a 3-1 start.

"I realize that we haven't played as well," he said. "There were high hopes, especially after the way we started. As far as why, there are a lot of reasons why. But we realize where we are, and we are going to continue to look at what we're doing, which we do each week.

"We try to evaluate everything we're doing from scheme, to calls we're making, to the players. We'll continue to do that and try to get a win. But yeah, we realize exactly where we are."

Injury update: Four starters did not finish Sunday's game.

Linebacker Lance Briggs had an MRI Monday on his injured knee, which is believed to be a mild-to-moderate sprain. Defensive end Alex Brown has a leg contusion, offensive tackle Orlando Pace has a groin injury and cornerback Charles Tillman suffered a mild concussion.

"Hopefully we can get all of those players back for this weekend's game (against the Rams)," coach Lovie Smith said.

Tough choice: Vikings wide receiver Bernard Berrian went to Super Bowl XLI with the Bears before joining the Vikings prior to the 2008 season, so he was asked if his current team is better than the 2006 Bears team that went 13-3.

"Are we better?" Berrian said. "Yes, because of the way we're put together. We have more talent, but it's more about the way we're put together."

Running on empty: The Bears did not have a first down in the first quarter, the second quarter or the fourth quarter Sunday against the Vikings and, for just the fifth time in franchise history, they did not have a single rushing first down.