Bears DC Eric Washington welcomes challenge of Texans offense

Having carried the team to a victory in Week 1, the Chicago Bears defense is back in the spotlight heading into their prime-time matchup against the reigning AFC South Champion Houston Texans.

The defense and special teams, which scored both touchdowns for the team last week in a comeback 24-17 win, will have their hands full with reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback C.J. Stroud and his weapons, which include newcomers running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Stefon Diggs.

Understanding the task ahead of his team, defensive coordinator Eric Washington spoke to the media about the challenges that Houston will present the Bears in this matchup.

"The first [challenge] is to the defense — making sure we play to our standard for four quarters in every aspect of what we do, with all of our values, our culture,” Washington said, “and then just stopping the run and just doing everything we can going into this week to elevate our level of play - our discipline, ball production, hits on the quarterback, just being efficient on first and second down. We want to make sure we take a pretty decent jump this week."

Stopping the run will be of the utmost importance for the Bears, as Mixon led the league with 159 rushing yards in Week 1. It's easy to focus on the receiving weapons that Houston has, but if the Bears defense doesn't stop the run, it could be a long night for the defense. Against Tennessee, the Bears allowed 140 total yards rushing, and that must improve against Houston.

One bright spot for the Bears is the pressure they were able to get against the Titans, and the pressure that the Texans allowed against the Colts. The Bears compiled three sacks against Tennessee and with Houston allowing four sacks against the Colts, the pass rushers should be ready for an opportunity to feast.

It won't be an easy task taking on the Texans, but Washington and his defense are ready for the challenge that awaits them.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears DC Eric Washington welcomes challenge of Texans offense