Players often say they insulate themselves from “outside noise,” but center Sam Mustipher knows what people are saying about the Bears’ offense.
“You hear it. We know what’s being said about us,” he said. “But it’s only about the guys in that room with us. It’s about the team, but on the offense, we understand the standard that we have set for ourselves. Now it’s time to go out and do it.”
Even with Justin Fields’ potential at quarterback, the offense isn’t getting much respect. But within the locker room, the Bears believe they’ll be better than most expect.
“To say the sky’s the limit, that remains to be seen,” Mustipher said. “We’ve got to go out and execute. But seeing how far we’re progressing, it’s exciting. It’s exciting to be part of a young group, especially with a lot of unproven talent. We have a lot of things we can tap in to.
“That’s the fun part of the game. When everybody’s doubting you, you kind of look inwards at each other, batten down the hatches and circle the wagons and go out and prove everybody wrong.”
Guard Cody Whitehair, a six-year starter on the line, also was bullish on the offense’s opportunity to surprise people.
“We know what we’re capable of, and we’re really excited with where this team is at,” he said. “Once teams play us, they’re going to feel us and know we’re for real.”
Weatherford has right DNA
Colts general manager Chris Ballard was chagrined to lose linebacker Sterling Weatherford, calling the Bears’ signing of the 6-4, 224-pound Weatherford on Wednesday “a hard one.” The Colts were hoping to sign him to their practice squad when the Bears stepped in. Weatherford had one interception in the preseason.
“He’s a long, tall athlete,” Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams said. “He hits. He took the ball away in the preseason. He fits [our] profile.”
Weatherford came with an endorsement from Dominique Robinson, the Bears’ rookie defensive end who was his teammate at Miami (Ohio).
“Dom was happy that he’s here,” Williams said. “He said, ‘Coach, he’s one of our guys,’ meaning that his DNA is H.I.T.S. principle DNA. So we’re glad to have him.”
Return of Vildor
Third-year cornerback Kindle Vildor was benched last season after starting the first 10 games but has prospered under new management. He’s a likely starter at outside cornerback, opposite Jaylon Johnson, with rookie Kyler Gordon in the slot.
“One of the things we said when we came in, with all our guys, [was] clean slate,” Williams said. “He’s been working hard. He’s assimilated himself into the defense. . . . He’s fast. He’s sticky in coverage. We think the arrow is up with Kindle.”
