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  • In this Sept. 23, 2012, file photo, Chicago Bears tackle Gabe Carimi watches from the bench in the closing minutes of the Bears' 23-6 win over the St. Louis Rams in an NFL football game in Chicago. Carimi is getting another chance for the Chicago Bears, this time at a new position. The former first-round draft pick is expected to start this week at right guard, where he was pressed into service after losing his job as the starting right tackle. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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December 28, 2012

NFL: Briggs says Bears’ focus on Detroit, not changes

By ANDREW SELIGMAN Associated Press

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Bears linebacker Lance Briggs insisted all he’s thinking about is Chicago beating the Detroit Lions and reaching the playoffs.

The idea that this could be the last go-around with his coaches and some teammates?

The seven-time Pro Bowler said he’s not thinking about what might happen if the Bears (9-6) lose Sunday at Detroit. They’re in danger of missing the playoffs for the fifth time in six years, and even if they beat the Lions, they would need help from rival Green Bay.

If they don’t reach the postseason, there is speculation that coach Lovie Smith could be gone. Brian Urlacher has an expiring contract and might be on his way out, too, but Briggs wasn’t thinking about those possibilities.

“My job right now is to focus on beating the Detroit Lions,” he said Thursday. “I think that’s what all of our jobs are right now. That’s what we need to focus on — trying to get ourselves into the postseason.”

These are awkward times for the Bears. They’re in a situation they never would have envisioned after a 7-1 start, trying to slip into the playoffs and in need of a big assist even if they do their part against the Lions. They would also need Green Bay to beat or tie Minnesota. Chicago could also get in with a tie if the Packers beat the Vikings, but if they don’t make it, there’s a feeling that an era could be ending.

If management is ready to pull the plug on Smith, special teams coordinator Dave Toub urged them to reconsider.

“Lovie’s a great coach,” he said. “He needs to stay here.”

If the speculation is bothering Smith, Toub doesn’t see it.

“He’s been steady,” Toub said. “We’ve been very lucky — the Chicago Bears are very lucky — to have Lovie Smith. You better realize that. Everybody better realize that.”

It’s not just Smith’s job possibly on the line. The rest of the staff could be gone, too, but defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli said he’s not worrying about that. He sees a game coming up that the Bears can’t afford to lose. He sees a once-promising season coming down to this — one final chance — and sees no time to worry about the what-ifs.

“To me, it’s not difficult at all,” he said. “You’ve got a job at hand, do your job. Do what men are supposed to do.”

But what about human nature?

“You take human nature, I take a man’s responsibility,” Marinelli said.



 

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