Bears Notebook: Jared Allen finally shows up on highlights

It felt like a long time coming, but outside linebacker Jared Allen recorded the only defensive highlight for the Bears in their 48-23 loss against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field on Sunday.

Late in the second quarter, Allen tipped a pass by quarterback Carson Palmer and made a diving interception. The Bears’ took over on the Cardinals’ 12, but settled for a 23-yard field goal by kicker Robbie Gould.

It was Allen’s first interception since 2011.

“Just trying to make plays,” Allen said. “We knew they liked screen balls. Our scouting report was on this week. Hats off to the coaches and everything they gave us. [The loss] wasn’t for a lack of being prepared and not knowing what they were running. I just tried to make a play on the ball and was fortunate. Obviously, one plays isn’t enough.”

No action for Jeffery

Receiver Alshon Jeffery didn’t play because of a hamstring injury, which developed Thursday after two full days of practice. Coach John Fox previously called it tightness.

Jeffery was in the Bears’ locker room after the game, but he said he was unavailable to comment.

Eddie Royal was the Bears’ leading receiver, making seven catches for 41 yards. Josh Bellamy made a 48-yard touchdown catch after being left wide open on a blown coverage by Arizona.

A local highlight

With Jeffery out, rookie receiver Cameron Meredith, a St. Joseph High and Illinois State alum, made his regular-season debut after being inactive in Week 1. He made three caches for 36 yards.

“Of course, you want better circumstances, but it was cool to be out there – welcome to the NFL,” said Meredith, who had a 22-yard reception. “Getting in there was a special moment.”

In the trenches

Defensive end Ego Ferguson (knee) was inactive, making for a starting line of Jarvis Jenkins, Eddie Goldman and Will Sutton. Veteran Lavar Edwards, who was signed last week, also made his Bears debut.

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