LAKE FOREST (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The latest dispatches from Jeff Joniak, filed Monday from Halas Hall:
--As expected, no deals made by GM Ryan Pace on trade deadline day in the NFL. As always, he was willing to listen. However, draft capital is more important right now. The Bears have no first-round pick next April, but do have a pair of second-round selections.
--Outside linebacker Isaiah Irving suffered a quad injury in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. To replenish the depth at the position, the Bears signed outside linebacker James Vaughters to the practice squad. He enjoyed a good preseason for the Bears rushing the passer. Practice squad linebacker Fadol Brown goes to the injured list.
--Kickers must adjust and adapt to whatever the obstacle. The wind is as mighty as the sword. Beating the wind is something Eddy Pineiro feels he needs to do to conquer Soldier Field in the tumultuous months of October, November and December.
--His miss for the win from 41 yards Sunday against the Chargers veered late and left of the upright. He called kicking in Soldier Field “unpredictable," but the reality is he is talking about the wind. “I could have aimed a little more right,” Pineiro said. “The wind was really going really hard right to left. I mean, if I can go back and aim a little more right.”
--The hash mark spot of the ball -- left, right, or middle -- matters to kickers. “Just the aiming points,” Pineiro said. “The left hash is going to be a different kick than the right hash and it’s going to be a different kick in the middle.” He attempted the final kick from the left hash.
--Khalil Mack has not been shy about his support of Pineiro. He respects how the young kicker handles himself and appreciates his confident approach. Pineiro said he feels that support from Mack and other teammates. Cornerback Prince Amukamara said pressure is not a problem for Pineiro: “I don’t’ think this situation shakes him at all.”
--Running the ball in the manner and frequency the Bears did Sunday opened up the offense for the passing game, according to receiver Allen Robinson. “It changes the whole situation of the game.” The result was improved play on third down, more explosive plays, and maybe more confidence moving forward for the entire unit.
--David Montgomery fits perfectly in the Bears' locker room. He is humble, quiet, and a grinder. Respected for his tough running style and quick feet, the rookie made the most of his first featured role after limited attempts in the first six games. “It was hard because he wants to run the ball,” said Charles Leno Jr. “He didn’t let the moment get to big. He didn’t blow up. He didn’t explode. He didn’t let it erupt.”
--Leno said Montgomery asks the offensive line questions about where they prefer he carries the ball on certain rushes. “He’s always asking,‘How am I supposed to make this happen?’ instead of just going blindly.” That communication will pay off in games and years to come.
--Second-year linebacker Roquan Smith admits to being a good place right now mentally and physically. It showed in his play. “I felt like I was downhill in the game,” Smith said. “I definitely improved that aspect. Definitely felt that was one of the biggest things.” Smith triggered quickly and was outwardly emotional after the defense made some big stops.