Quarterback and running back may not be the only positions facing possible shakeups in the wake of Sunday’s loss.
Players left a somber postgame locker room with the feeling that coach Dave Wannstedt will not stand pat after a debacle that left the Bears 0-3 and looking up at most of the NFL.
“He kind of hinted toward it (change),” said punter Todd Sauerbrun, who appeared to be one possible victim before a respectable outing Sunday. “He just said he’s going to look at the film and find out where they’ve been getting hurt and obviously they’re going to make some changes.”
Rick Mirer-for-Erik Kramer is one scenario for the offense, along with changes to offset the loss of running back Rashaan Salaam for the season. But Wannstedt is expected to tinker with the defense after NFC Central opponents scored 38, 27 and 32 points to start the season.
The defensive line registered only one sack, by defensive end John Thierry, and was shredded, along with the linebacking corps, for 161 rushing yards by Barry Sanders.
Free safety John Mangum missed badly on a tackle of fullback Tommy Vardell and committed a face-mask penalty to advance a second Detroit drive. While Mangum was credited with 11 tackles, Anthony Marshall may get a chance to make an impact.
