Fox has more concerns than sacks for Bears

Coach John Fox believes there are greater concerns than his defense's failure to sack Aaron Rodgers or Carson Palmer in the first two games.

“I think 0-2 worries me more than no sacks,” said Fox, who pointed out that the pass rush wasn't the team's only area in need of improvement.

“It's really the combined pass defense,” Fox said. “We haven't been very good on third down, we haven't been real good in the red area.

“That's not just all passes. There are runs involved in some of those areas as well. But pass defense is a combination of coverage and rush.”

Most of the statistical numbers are not kind to the Bears. They are last (32nd) in points allowed (79), although that total includes 1 kickoff and 1 interception return for touchdowns.

The Bears' defense is 31st in third-down situations, having allowed opponents to convert 57.9 percent of their opportunities.

The Bears are also 31st in red-zone defense, having allowed 8 touchdowns in 9 drives inside the 20. They are tied for 31st with zero sacks.

On the positive side, the Bears are No. 4 in average passing yards allowed (187) and seventh in average total yards allowed (311).

Injury update:

Quarterback Jay Cutler (hamstring), wide receivers Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) and Eddie Royal (hip/back) and linebacker Jon Bostic (ankle) did not practice.

The starting quarterback was at practice, but only as an adviser and observer.

In response to a national report that Cutler would miss two weeks, coach John Fox said: “I don't know how they pick coin flips and how they are at the track. I don't know how they would know if we don't.”

Cutler won't be ruled out until Friday at the earliest, but he is doubtful at best, and backup Jimmy Clausen is expected to start.

Running back Matt Forte (knee), linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee), guard Matt Slauson (toe), wide receiver Marquess Wilson (shoulder), defensive tackle Ego Ferguson (knee) and cornerback Tracy Porter (hamstring) were limited.

Keeping it simple:

Eight-year veteran cornerback Alan Ball and second-year pro Kyle Fuller each lost fourth-quarter snaps in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals as Terrance Mitchell got some game action.

Most of the talk has been about Fuller's “benching,” but defensive coordinator Vic Fangio believes the solution is simple.

“He just needs to play better,” Fangio said. “I know that's a vanilla answer, but execute his assignment and technique correctly, and the plays will come to him. Until he does that, he'll struggle a little bit.

“But he's capable and hopefully he'll start doing that.”

Ball says Fuller's struggles are part of the process.

“In this league there's going to be some ups, there's going to be some downs,” Ball said. “I've seen (Fuller) have days where a receiver hasn't caught a ball.

“So I've got all the confidence in the world in that guy, and I think everyone else should, too.”

Forget about it:

There is no benefit to dwelling on the 0-2 start according to coach John Fox.

“Really it's not a matter of processing it,” Fox said. “It's very evident it's behind us, and right now all of our focus and energy is directed at the Seattle Seahawks.

“I don't want them thinking about 0-2. Maybe you do, but I don't.”

Staying the course:

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio says player evaluations are ongoing, but two games is too soon to make any long-term projections.

“You're constantly evaluating everything, both personnel and scheme,” Fangio said. “But after two weeks, I've been at this a long time, and we'll just keep trudging along.

“The worst thing you can do is panic and start changing schemes left and right and looking for a magic potion.”