As the Chicago Bears prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, the team has successfully maintained a sense of familiarity and routine despite being nearly 4,000 miles from home. Staying at a hotel on the outskirts of London, conveniently located next to practice fields, the Bears have found a way to replicate their typical game-week schedule, minimizing distractions and focusing on what truly matters: winning.
Head Coach Matt Eberflus emphasized the benefits of the Bears' current accommodations, noting how the hotel staff has been accommodating to the team's needs. This setup allows players and coaches to walk to their workouts, a stark contrast to their previous London trip in 2019, when commuting to practice involved 45-minute bus rides each way. The isolation of their current location, situated more than an hour's drive from central London, contributes to a focused environment conducive to preparation.
"This is a great facility," Eberflus remarked. "The people are super nice and have done a really nice job here." This level of comfort is vital, especially as the Bears navigate the challenges of international travel and time zone changes.
The decision to stay away from the bustling heart of London also helps in limiting distractions that can derail a team's focus. Reflecting on his experiences with the Dallas Cowboys during their London trip in 2014, Eberflus pointed out how staying downtown with family members led to a more chaotic environment. "There was more stuff going on just because of the city and the families being in the hotel with you," he recalled. The Bears’ more isolated arrangement this time around has provided an opportunity for players and coaches to bond and concentrate on game preparations.
With the team having left Chicago late Monday and arriving in London Tuesday morning, players enjoyed a customary day off before diving into a walk-through on Wednesday. Full practices are slated for Thursday and Friday, ensuring they stick closely to their regular routine.
As the Bears gear up for the Jaguars, they face some challenges, notably the absence of safety Jaquan Brisker. General Manager Ryan Poles confirmed that Brisker, who sustained a concussion during the previous week’s win against the Los Angeles Rams, did not travel with the team. Poles praised Brisker for his professionalism in reporting his symptoms, highlighting the importance of player safety.
Poles explained that he had reported concussion symptoms on Monday. “We want to respect that and make sure that he’s healthy as we move forward.” Brisker’s injury occurred during a significant play that resulted in a fumble recovery but at a high cost for both him and the opposing player, Tommy Tremble, who also suffered a concussion.
In Brisker’s absence, Eberflus has expressed confidence in Elijah Hicks, a 2022 seventh-round pick who will step into the starting role. With prior experience in the system, Hicks has appeared in 37 games and registered impressive stats, including 68 tackles and one forced fumble. "Elijah has done a really good job for us in the past," Eberflus stated, highlighting the trust the coaching staff has in Hicks to deliver when called upon.
Meanwhile, defensive end Jacob Martin, who has been sidelined since late August, returned to practice Wednesday. His return opens a 21-day window for reinstatement on the active roster, adding depth to the Bears’ defense.
Additionally, the Bears made a move to bolster their tight end position by signing Tommy Sweeney to the practice squad. Sweeney, who previously had a brief stint with the team earlier this year, brings valuable experience from his time with the Buffalo Bills, where he recorded 18 receptions for 165 yards and a touchdown over three seasons.
This strategic decision to add Sweeney comes after tight end Teagan Quitoriano was signed to the Texans’ active roster, demonstrating the Bears' proactive approach to managing their roster and ensuring they have the right personnel as they prepare for their overseas challenge.
As the Chicago Bears navigate their unique circumstances in London, their ability to stick to a routine and remain focused on their preparations bodes well for their upcoming game against the Jaguars. With the right accommodations, a commitment to player safety, and strategic roster management, the Bears are demonstrating that even when far from home, a strong sense of purpose and community can thrive. As they look to secure a victory, the team’s resilience and adaptability will be key factors in overcoming the challenges of playing abroad.
