NFC North Notes: Bears, Packers, Vikings

Bears

Bears HC Matt Nagy explained that it’s going to require some time for QB Mitch Trubisky and the offense to start playing at a high level.

“I’m very eager, but he’s probably more eager than me because I understand that it’s a process and he sometimes doesn’t,” Nagy said, via ChicagoBears.com. “He’s just very focused and driven to be absolutely perfect. As we go through this as an offensive staff, I’m telling you, we’re taking our time here to figure it out. I know people don’t understand this. It takes time, and we will get this. These guys are putting in a lot of valuable time and energy trying to learn this thing, and we are as a staff. When we figure out and we get it, it’ll be fun.”

Packers

Packers HC Mike McCarthy said the addition of Bashaud Breeland gives them some both experience and depth at to work with a cornerback moving forward.

“He gives us experience. He’s played a lot of football,” McCarthy said. “I’m always interested in the ball skills of the defensive backs, and he definitely has that.

“The cornerback position has been a challenge for us from a depth standpoint the last couple of seasons. To add a veteran with his experience, that in itself is exceptional. We feel good about the addition.”

Breeland told reporters that he’s using the opportunity with the Packers to “re-change the market,” as motivation for him the remainder of the season.

“To me, it’s not really about the money,” Breeland said, via ESPN.com. “I lost a lot of ball. I lost OTAs and I lost camp to get better, so right now I’m just trying to take it all in. I’ve got a chip on my shoulder because I want to come in and step into that role of being the player that I was. I’m not in a situation to do that right now, but I do have a chance to re-change the market, and that’s my motivation right there. Not the market of being paid, but it’s more the market of becoming a Pro Bowl caliber player.”

• McCarthy mentioned that CB Kevin King will work with the rehab group on Wednesday, but won’t practice. (Tom Silverstein)
• Packers OLB Nick Perry is still in the concussion protocol.
• According to Rob Demovsky, the Packers are preparing to start Byron Bell at right guard on Sunday against the Bills.
• Packers G Justin McCray‘s shoulder injury is not believed to be a long-term issue but there’s no word on the exact prognosis.

Vikings

Vikings HC Mike Zimmer said traveling near 2,000 miles to Los Angeles to play the Rams for Week 4’s Thursday Night game is a “problem” given it is a short week.

“Yes, it’s a problem,’’ Zimmer said. “We haven’t had a home game on a short week since I’ve been here in five years.”

Zimmer added that the team traveled early to Los Angeles based on research they did on preparing for short weeks.

“It is what it is,’’ Zimmer said. “We go out and play the schedule however they do it. I know the statistics about going to the West Coast on a short week and all of that. Part of the reason we are going out (Tuesday), we did a study on preparing for a game on a short week, all of those things.’’