(670 The Score) A day later, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus stood by his decision to leave his team's starters in late during a 29-9 loss to the Cardinals on Sunday, a move that led to rookie quarterback Caleb Williams getting banged up in the closing minutes.
Williams limped off the field with an ankle ailment as the final seconds ticked off clock Sunday in the ugly loss. He was hit multiple times on the final drive and had been sacked six times prior to that.
"The starters were left in the game because we're going to fight to the end," Eberflus said Monday. "Those guys did a nice job with that on defense. On offense, we're working the operation like I said (Sunday after the game).
"It's important that we have that mentality going forward."
Eberflus declined to reveal whether Bears general manager Ryan Poles agreed with the decision to leave Williams in the entire game even after it was out of hand.
Speaking after the game Sunday, Williams believed he would be "OK" moving forward. The Bears aren’t required to issue an injury report until after practice Wednesday.
The Bears (4-4) will host the Patriots (2-7) on Sunday at Soldier Field.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.