Painful day but McCown still having fun

ST. LOUIS — In five games this season, including three starts, quarterback Josh McCown has not had a passer rating under 90.0.

But Sunday’s 42-21 loss to the Rams was his most painful game, specifically the hit by Michael Brockers that resulted in a roughing-the-passer penalty that kept the Bears’ last scoring drive alive.

The 34-year-old McCown is expected to start at least one more game before Jay Cutler returns from a sprained ankle, and he said he continues to feel more comfortable running the offense.

“How could you not (feel comfortable) with the guys that I get to walk into the huddle with and play with?” McCown said. “With our offense and what we’re doing, it’s fun to get to work with them.”

Getting flattened:

The defense has allowed 985 rushing yards in the last five games, an average of 197 yards per game.

“Obviously some of the mistakes are repeats,” said defensive end Julius Peppers, who was credited with 1 sack in the pressbox statistics. “It’s about everybody not being on the same page at the same time. If you have 10 guys doing it right but one guy not doing it right, then that’s an explosive play (for them).”

Bouncing back:

Brandon Marshall, who had game highs of 10 receptions and 117 yards, remained upbeat after the loss to the Rams.

“I think we’re a team that faces adversity well,” he said. “It just seems like we’re knocking on the door, and the door is a little cracked, and we just haven’t put our foot in it. It’s just a matter of time before we’re able to make that jump.”

By the numbers:

Rams running back Bennie Cunnigham entered the game with 1 carry of 10 yards or more. He had 6 carries for 10 yards or longer against the Bears and finished with 109 yards on 13 carries for an 8.4-yard average. ... In three of the Bears last four road games they’ve allowed 40 points or more. They lost to the Lions 40-32 in Week 4 and lost to the Redskins 45-41 in Week 7. … The Bears have failed to recover any of the last 9 fumbles they’ve forced.

Sitting it out:

Quarterback Jay Cutler (ankle), linebacker Lance Briggs (shoulder), defensive tackles Stephen Paea (toe), Cornelius Washington and Jeremiah Ratliff (groin) and offensive linemen James Brown and Jonathan Scott were inactive.