Rookies need to quickly adjust to growing pains

Veterans agree there's not much leeway for the growing pains of young players in the NFL.

But they understand there is a difficulty factor. The Bears started two rookies Sunday, and five others saw playing time. Six rookies have started at least one game this season.

"There are a lot of things that guys are going through and have to learn," eight-year veteran tight end Martellus Bennett said. "But, at this level, there's no time.

"You have to go quickly, and things have to happen fast. Guys have to make those adjustments very fast.

"There are growing pains, but in this league you get 16 games guaranteed, so you have to grow very fast. You get 16 weeks to become a giant."

Defensive lineman Eddie Goldman, safeties Adrian Amos and Harold Jones-Quartey, center Hroniss Grasu, linebacker Jonathan Anderson and tight end Khari Lee have all started at least once as rookies.

All were asked to contribute immediately.

"I don't believe in growing pains," five-year veteran linebacker Pernell McPhee said. "We all just gotta hold each other accountable for everything - young, old, smart, whatever."

Leading man:

Of Jay Cutler's 137 passing touchdowns as a Bear, which ties him with Hall of Famer Sid Luckman for the franchise record, 39 have been 21 yards or longer, including Sunday's 21-yarder to Alshon Jeffery.

But it was Cutler's high-impact, goal-line collision with Vikings safety Harrison Smith for a 4-yard touchdown run that had teammates talking.

"That was awesome," linebacker Pernell McPhee said. "He sold out his body for the team. Jay's one of our leaders, and everybody respects him, and that's what leaders do, sell out their body for the team."

Could be better:

Sunday's rejiggered offensive line allowed just 1 sack, although quarterback Jay Cutler helped out by escaping pressure a few times.

Left guard Matt Slauson slid over to center in place of injured Hroniss Grasu, right guard Vlad Ducasse switched to left guard and Patrick Omameh made his first Bears start at right guard.

"We've had to make adjustments," coach John Fox said. "It's a credit to the players involved and the coaches involved to be able to execute decent enough. (But) I think we've got room for improvement, no question."

Going for it:

One of the key plays Sunday was coach John Fox's successful gamble on fourth-and-1 at the Vikings' 33-yard line.

Disdaining the 51-yard field-goal attempt, the Bears converted with a 5-yard Jay Cutler pass to Alshon Jeffery. Five plays later, Cutler's 4-yard run put the Bears ahead 20-13 with 4:55 remaining.

"It's a lot easier making those calls after the fact," Fox joked. "I don't think anybody has a monopoly on good play-calling after the fact. In that situation, the length of the fourth down is always critical."

Chip shots:

In Alshon Jeffery's 10 career 100-yard receiving games, the Bears are 3-7, including losses in each of the past two games. Jeffery had 10 catches Sunday for 116 yards. … Robbie Gould connected on a 55-yard attempt Sunday and missed from 51 and is now the fourth-most accurate FG kicker in NFL history from 50 yards or farther at 74.1 percent (20-for-27).