"Coach Lovie Smith talked Monday about the Bears needing to clean up some mistakes and improve in areas that didn't go well in their convincing 30-12 victory over the Falcons.

The red zone will be one of the first places the Bears look for improvement as they prepare to face another loaded offensive team Sunday at New Orleans. The Bears struggled near the goal line last season, and help could be on the way.

Running back Marion Barber, sidelined the last 17 days with a left calf muscle injury, is expected to return to practice Wednesday.

Smith said "soon" when asked what the timetable is for Barber's return, and it's too early to predict Barber's status for the Saints."