LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Chicago Bears defensive co-ordinator Mel Tucker insisted he is only focused on one thing.That would be the next game, not his future.That may be hard to believe, but its not hard as a coach or as a player to get ready for this matchup, Tucker said.Chicago hosts New Orleans on Monday in a game between disappointing teams that are 5-8.While the Saints are tied with Atlanta for the NFC South lead, the Bears will miss the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years.Their defence has ranked among the leagues worst in two seasons under Tucker, who shrugged off questions about his job security and reiterated several times his focus is on preparing for the Saints.Tucker said he hasnt discussed his future with his bosses. If he is gone, few would be surprised.A franchise built on the strength of its defence, with names such as Butkus and Singletary, has been coming up short in a big way.Whether its the coaching or talent, injuries or execution, the Bears have taken a big step back in that area after consistently ranking among the leagues best under former coach Lovie Smith.Theyre allowing a league-high average of 29.1 points, which is about as bad as last season when they allowed 29.9 per game and tied for second worst in the NFL.Chicago is also tied for 28th in yards allowed (377.8 yards per game) and ranks 30th against the pass despite a major off-season overhaul.Injuries cant be overlooked.They were hit hard in that area a year ago, and its been more of the same this time around.Theyve lost four starters to season-ending injuries, with middle linebacker D.J. Williams (neck), joining defensive end Lamarr Houston, cornerback Charles Tillman and linebacker Lance Briggs on injured reserve on Thursday.First of all, were not in the business of making excuses for injuries; we cant, coach Marc Trestman said.Linebacker Jonathan Bostic pinned the Bears struggles on the players — not the coaches. He insisted the issue is execution and thats on the guys wearing helmets and pads.Its not on the coaches, Bostic said. We go back and watch the film and everybody will see it. Everything coaches are coaching us (to do), it needs to show up in the game. It cant show up in two out of three plays because that one play where it didnt show up — where one player jumped out of the gap or didnt do exactly what were being coached to do — is when we give up a big play.Asked if he has been given enough talent to succeed, Tucker said: You have to deal in the moment and in the immediate situation, which is New Orleans. We feel good about the guys we have going into the game and our preparation, and thats really all that matters. We feel good about this group, whether theyre rookies or not, just collectively to go in there and get the job done in the game. Thats what were talking about.The Bears have allowed more passing plays of 20 or more yards — 51 — than all but one team, the Philadelphia Eagles.There was similar speculation about his future a year ago, and on Thursday, Tucker dismissed it as something that comes with the territory. He has coached 10 seasons in the NFL and eight in college, so its nothing new to him.Tucker was also asked about the opening at Wisconsin, where he played as a defensive back.He talked to athletic director Barry Alvarez, his former coach, about the job in 2012, but remained in Jacksonville as the Jaguars defensive co-ordinator. That position is open again after Gary Andersen left for Oregon State.Would Tucker be interested this time if his old coach contacted him?Thats a hypothetical, Tucker said. I try to stay out of those. Ultimately, the sole focus is New Orleans and preparing for those guys. Thats the only thing Im thinking about right now.NOTES: K Robbie Gould hopes to be ready after missing a game because of a pulled right quadriceps. He sat out practice along with S Chris Conte (back), OL Michael Ola (back) and LB Darryl Sharpton (hamstring). DT Jeremiah Ratliff (knee) was limited. ... Tucker said there is a good chance Bostic will move to middle linebacker with Williams out.___Online:AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Willie Mays Hayes Jersey .C. Lions signed cornerback Dante Marsh to a contract extension on Friay and released receiver Paris Jackson. Kevin Plawecki Indians Jersey . 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The fourth-year guard from Carleton University kicked off his varsity career with rookie of the year honours in 2011, before racking up three straight Mike Moser Memorial Trophies for outstanding player.With the Montreal Canadiens losing an overtime heartbreaker to the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of their second round series on Thursday, Michel Therrien isnt too worried about his teams play so far. Matt Fraser scored 1:19 into the extra period as the Bruins grabbed a 1-0 win over Montreal in a game that saw both rivals evenly matched from the net out throughout the night. "I like the way were playing," Therrien told reporters on Friday morning as the series shifts back to Boston for Game 5. "Anything can happen in a best two-out-of-three situation. Were gaining confidence every game." Playing in his first-ever playoff game, Frasers heroics helped the Bruins even the set at two games apiece after the Bruins dropped a 4-2 decision on Tuesday. The Bruins had 35 shots on Carey Price compared to Montreals 33 on Tuukka Rask. While the shots and scoring chances were pretty much even, Therrien and his coaching staff drew considerable criticism for playing veteran blueliner Douglas Murray - who some pundits and fans thought could not handle the speed and puck-cycling game of thhe Bruins.dddddddddddd "They were physical, blocked shots and contained well," said Therrien of Murray and his defensive partner Mike Weaver. "(They) did a fantastic job for us." Murray, who was signed as a free agent last summer, had a team-leading eleven hits in the Canadiens two home games against the Bruins. "Its always been important for me to try to play physical but play clean and not take penalties," he told reporters on Friday. "Anytime you get praise from the coach, it feels good." The same couldnt be said for Montreals go-to threesome of Max Pacioretty, David Desharnais and Thomas Vanek. The line was split up for much of the night, with Vanek playing alongside Tomas Plekanec. Pacioretty, who scored 39 goals during the regular season, has just one in the playoffs - the power play game-winner in Game 4 against the Tampa Bay Lightning. "Some guys are having trouble contributing offensively," said Therrien. "They need to adjust to the intensity of the playoffs." Game 5 is Saturday night in Boston. ' ' '