Notes and observations from the Bears’ 37-13 thumping of the Rams on Sunday.
1 Jeffery’s day
Receiver Alshon Jeffery had his least productive day this season, making three catches for 23 yards. But he said his groin injury didn’t affect him too much.
“I was all right,” Jeffery said. “I just have to get some more treatment. I’ll be all right.”
Jeffery did make a key block on cornerback Janoris Jenkins to help spring tight end Zach Miller’s 87-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown. Jeffery said receivers coach Mike Groh emphasized the need for blocks to extend plays.
“As soon as he caught it, I just turned around and tried to block my guy,” Jeffery said. “He made a hell of a run.”
2 Mariani matters
Returner Marc Mariani fumbled his first punt return when he was hit immediately by Rams receiver Bradley Marquez. It was recovered by cornerback Marcus Roberson.
Two weeks ago, Mariani muffed consecutive punts against the Vikings, but the Bears luckily maintained possession.
“It was a bad decision,” Mariani said. “The right gunner, he motioned down, so he got a clean release, and I just didn’t see him. … I’m really, really disappointed that it put our team in a bad situation. I just got to be better.
The Bears, though, stuck with Mariani the rest of the game.
“I hate turning the ball over,” he said. “It keeps me awake at night. There’s been a couple on the ground in a few weeks. I’ve got to fix it. It’s frustrating.”
3 Robbie rebounds
Kicker Robbie Gould put his three consecutive misses from the Bears’ last two games behind him. He made 35-, 37- and 36-yard field goals in St. Louis. Gould is now 20-for-23 this season.
Follow me on Twitter @adamjahns
Email: ajahns@suntimes.com
