Staley Da Bear
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- Mar 16, 2019
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Pagano appreciates Prince: Defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano praised the physical play of veteran cornerback Prince Amukamara against the Rams.
"I think it's huge," said Pagano, "and he's played consistent. He's played well, and he continues to do that. It's a big part. Those guys had to come up and be physical against the run last week. Obviously this week they're going to make those guys tackle, as we all know. They've got one of the best, if not the best, runners in the game right now in [Saquon] Barkley."
Amukamara had five tackles last week and allowed a single reception in coverage for a three-yard gain. The defense held Rams quarterback Jared Goff to 11 completions on the day.
"I think any time those guys can get up," said Pagano, "and mess with the timing of the offense and throw that off and take away the guy that may be the first read, may not be the first read, it's going to help your rush and your defense. So that's important."
Perhaps most impressively, Amukamara has only been flagged once since Week 3. Pagano credits secondary coach Deshea Townsend and safeties coach Sean Desai for instilling discipline in the team's defensive backs.
"I think Deshea and Sean do a great job with those guys," said Pagano. "I think [Amukamara] understands the rules, and he understands how they're officiating those and what you can and can't do."
Cohen steps up: The Bears used running back Tarik Cohen more on Sunday than in any other game this season.
Cohen's nine carries for 39 yards was a season-high in both measures. His 74 all-purpose yards eclipsed his previous best 49 yards against the Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders.
"We want to get him going just in general," said Nagy. "We want to get more touches for him, and there are some reasons why we do and don't based off who we're playing, when we're playing."
Cohen was expected to see an increased workload due to fellow running back David Montgomery being hampered by an ankle injury. According to Nagy, the flow of the game was also a factor.
"We were doing a little bit of no-huddle," said Nagy, "so sometimes when you're in no-huddle, there's no sub. So sometimes you get more stuff there."
With only six games left, Cohen is unlikely to match his offensive output from last season, when he totaled 1,169 all-purpose yards and eight combined touchdowns. Still, Nagy is looking to keep Cohen central to the offense's game plans.
"Trust me," said Nagy, "just like everybody, we want to do everything we can to get ‘29’ going. He's a playmaker, and every time he's on the field, even if he doesn't touch the football, the defense has to know where he's at."
Coward coming along: Nagy offered an update on the progress of starting right guard Rashaad Coward.
"Developing," said Nagy, "understanding that you have to have a little patience with a guy that was on the other side of the ball a few years ago. It's not going to be perfect."
Coward, a converted defensive tackle, has started the last five games in place of the injured Kyle Long. Coward has received positive marks from his coaches about his effort and adaptability but faced a massive challenge last week.
"Then this past week," said Nagy, "you put him up against [Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald]. There's gonna be some plays that break down. That happened. Our goal going into it was to make sure it wasn't a game-wrecker type play that he made where it's a turnover. Some of those you have to live with."
Donald, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, recorded two sacks on Sunday, both on the last drive of the game.
Noting the growing pains at the position, Nagy expressed confidence in the third-year player and praised his attitude and potential.
"I just appreciate guys like him that want to play," said Nagy. "They want to get better. They take teaching really well. They're coachable. And I think there's going to be a growth pattern with him. It's not going to be instant Pro Bowl with him."