Practicing with Colts helpful to Chicago Bears defense

INDIANAPOLIS — Linebacker Pernell McPhee was pleased with what the Bears got from their two days of work against the Colts.

“I think we got better,” he said. “We got an opportunity to see a different offensive scheme, and we got an opportunity to play against a great team that has won before. We just had different challenges.”

The biggest challenge for the Bears was Colts quarterback Andrew Luck, a Pro Bowler in each of his three seasons, who has compiled an 86-43 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

“(It's) a great test because he's the type of guy who can run, or he can sit in the pocket,” McPhee said. “So it's different angles how you have to rush him.

“Instead of going against Jay (Cutler) every day at practice, you've got to be disciplined in your rush.

“You can't go too high, or Andrew will take off. Or you can't come under too early or he'll take off.

“He's a great quarterback. He's elite. He's one of the top-five quarterbacks in the NFL right now.”

When it matters:

The biggest difference between the Colts' state-of-the-art offense and the Bears' offense was in the two-minute drill near the end of Thursday's joint practice.

The Colts scored on both possessions. The Bears' drives ended with interceptions, one against backup Jimmy Clausen and one against Jay Cutler, his second of the day after being picked just once during training camp in Bourbonnais.

“I thought all in all it was a great couple days of practice,” Bears coach John Fox said. “We're probably not as oiled up in the two-minute drill as Indy is at this stage, but all in all, I was very pleased.”

Safety Antrel Rolle said the defense improved significantly Thursday over Wednesday's lackluster performance — at least until the end.

“Their offense won the two-minute drill,” Rolle admitted. “That's really the only thing that matters. It's not how you start, it's how you finish. (But) it was a good atmosphere to come out here and practice against these guys, just to get a feel for things.”

Makes sense:

Charles Leno filled in with the starters in Thursday's practice after Jordan Mills left with a calf injury.

“He's been playing with the 2's all camp (and) performing well,” coach John Fox said. “When Jordan Mills went out, he was the logical guy to stick there.”

He gets it:

It's tough to put anything past two-time Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long.

He was asked: What do you sense you're going to be about with that quintet that's up there right now?

“Well,” Long said. “I know quintet means five, so you're talking about the offensive line. We're hopefully going to run the ball, and we're going to give Jay (Cutler) time to throw it.”

Injury update:

Cornerback Tracy Porter (hamstring), offensive tackle Jason Weaver (stinger), wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (calf), running back Daniel Thomas (knee), tight end Chris Pantale (ill) and linebacker Jared Allen (rest) did not practice.

Linebacker Pernell McPhee (knee), defensive tackle Brandon Dunn (quad) and offensive tackle Jordan Mills (calf) did not finish practice.