Joyner, Rams ready to focus on stopping Bears

ST. LOUIS -- Lamarcus Joyner said he's been unaware of the controversy involving his low hit that sidelined Teddy Bridgewater with a concussion last week.

After apologizing for the out-of-character play, the St. Louis Rams defensive back watched "Animal Planet" and "SpongeBob SquarePants" cartoons.

He viewed only "bits and pieces" of the Chicago Bears' victory at San Diego on Monday night.

"I was watching the lions and hyenas go at it," Joyner said. "I'm a big kid, man."

Bridgewater returned to practice this week and the Vikings were optimistic he wouldn't miss a game.

"I can't fix what happened. I know in my heart it wasn't intentional and I sincerely apologize for it, and hope he's ready to go for his team," Joyner said.

Rams players said it was wrong to connect defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who served a one-year suspension in 2013, to the tackle.

They'll seek to sack Jay Cutler, not to hurt him. The Bears understand.

"You're going to have mishaps, they just happen," coach John Fox said. "I don't think it's anything you can necessarily coach or not coach."

Middle linebacker James Laurinaitis said it's difficult to adjust when a quarterback decides to slide, often at the last instant.

"Heck, I've played against Aaron Rodgers where he'll start to raise up like he's going to slide and take off on you, and next thing you know you're getting yelled at on the sideline," Laurinaitis said. "I don't know. It sounds really easy for everybody on TV to critique."

Rookie backs

Bears running back Jeremy Langford carried the load at San Diego with 72 yards rushing and 70 receiving and a fourth-quarter touchdown run. Even if two-time Pro Bowler Matt Forte returns from a knee injury, the Bears know they have a backup option. Forte practiced Wednesday on a limited basis. With his 30th birthday next month and his contract set to expire, his future in Chicago is up in the air.

The Rams' Todd Gurley has 664 yards rushing and is the first rookie in the Super Bowl era to rush for 85 or more yards in his first five starts.

"A lot of people compare him to Adrian Peterson," Bears linebacker Sam Acho said. "I can't really argue with that."

Third down woes

The Rams are the NFL's worst on third down, converting just 23.8 percent of the time, and they've struggled in the past three games going just 4 for 37. Newly-signed Wes Welker could help eventually, although he'll have a limited role at most with just four practices since signing. The Rams had a roster spot open after Stedman Bailey, who has just 12 catches on the season, was suspended four games for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

"We just need a couple breakout games, and then we'll get caught up," coach Jeff Fisher said.

Fan factor

Thus far the Edward Jones Dome has been about two-thirds full, or less. This one could be closer to the 66,000-seat capacity because of the Bears' faithful following that was such a factor in San Diego that the Chargers had to use a silent count.

"Most people travel well in San Diego, but we're expecting a rowdy Bear crowd," said Fisher, who played for Chicago in the 1980s. "I think our fans will win that battle."

Close calls

The Bears are on quite a roll when it comes to close games. Their past five have been decided by three or fewer points, and they're 3-2 in that span.

Cutler has led late scoring drives to tie or go ahead in each of those games, highlighted by a spectacular touchdown to Zach Miller in the closing minutes at San Diego. With the pocket collapsing, Cutler found a leaping Miller for a one-handed grab. Then the defense stopped the Chargers, with Lamarr Houston sacking Philip Rivers twice.

"I think it was something we built toward the whole weekend," Houston said.