Injuries to the Chicago Bears defense has allowed for veteran players to get more opportunities and one of them, safety Jonathan Owens, stepped up in a big way getting a chance to start against the San Francisco 49ers last week.
Owens, who had seven tackles, an interception, and pass deflection, was the highest graded performer of the Bears defense against the 49ers, according to Pro Football Focus.
Even with his performance, the Bears were completely outclassed on both sides of the ball, but their defense was absolutely atrocious against San Francisco. Shredded for 452 total yards of offense by the 49ers, the Bears defense looked absolutely lost in their first game with defensive coordinator Eric Washington calling the plays. Washington took over play calling duties when head coach Matt Eberflus was fired, and while there could have been plenty of finger pointing, Owens says he doesn’t believe it pins back on Washington.
“I wouldn’t say it was anything with the new play caller,” Owens said Tuesday.
Owens said the pre-snap motion by the 49ers offense was one of the biggest problems that hurt the Bears defense.
Owens has not had many opportunities to contribute as a starter this season, but due to injuries to Jaquan Brisker and Elijah Hicks, Owens stepped up in a major way last Sunday despite the loss. There are many issues to be pointed out for the Bears seventh consecutive loss, which feel like they continue to become more embarrassing each time out.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Jonathan Owens: Eric Washington not to blame for Bears defensive woes