Grady Jarrett discusses Bears defensive performance vs. Vikings - Bears Wire

There are a lot of things that did not go well for the Chicago Bears in their 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, especially on the offensive side of the ball. But after a rough showing in the season opener against the Carolina Panthers, the Bears defense bounced back with an impressive performance.

The defense allowed just nine points -- all field goals -- and kept Minnesota out of the end zone in a game that went down to the wire. The Bears defensive line, in particular, had a decent day with three sacks on Minnesota’s quarterback Carson Wentz and four quarterback hits.

After the game, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett discussed the defense's performance against the Vikings, where they'll be able to take some positives away from a rough loss.

“I think definitely affecting the quarterback has been on top of our mind,” Jarrett said. “And we’ve been getting better week in, week out; from the game plan to the players, with an attacking mindset. It’s something that we definitely, definitely hold in high regard. That’s definitely a growth point. And obviously, some of the blitzes coaches dialing up. We were on today, but obviously, I’m going to keep saying it; we want to win, but there are a lot of good growth opportunities here. And things will be built off of those.”

The Bears went after the Vikings, but they were never able to generate a turnover. Chicago only won one game last season when the defense did not force a turnover -- their 18-point comeback against the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card playoffs.

Chicago faces another challenge next week with the Philadelphia Eagles, who have a talented offense with DeVonta Smith as the leading receiver and running back Saquon Barkley, who should be available for Philadelphia after leaving their Week 2 game with an injury. They also have talent on all levels of the defense which will be difficult for the Bears’ offense with Tyson Bagent most likely playing at quarterback.