LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- The Chicago Bears’ recent failures at Soldier Field are difficult to explain.

Since winning back-to-back games over Minnesota and Tampa Bay in November 2014, the Bears have lost eight of their last nine games at home. Chicago is 1-5 at Soldier Field in 2015.

Kyle Long and the Bears have lost eight of their last nine games at Soldier Field, including on Nov. 22 vs. the Broncos. Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

“Is that what it is?” Bears right tackle Kyle Long asked about their record.

Long went on to say he’s given the topic considerable thought. He thinks the issue lies with the club’s pregame mentality.

“I was thinking about this long and hard last night, and we put a big emphasis on being road warriors,” Long said. “You know, it’s so hard to go on the road and win in the NFL. I guess we might find that extra something when you go on the road. You know, when you know that it’s us against the entire stadium; that kind of gives you that extra juice.

“We have to be able to find that at home. We have to find whatever it is to be able to give these people something to cheer about because it hasn’t happened. It’s been lackluster on our end. And we understand that. We take full responsibility for that. And I know that they’re sick and tired of hearing that. And I’m sick and tired of saying it. We’ve got to figure something out. We need to find that extra juice that we do when we’re on the road.”

The Bears (5-7) have another shot to reverse the disturbing home trend on Sunday when they host Washington. And following consecutive road games at Minnesota and Tampa Bay, the Bears wrap up the year versus Detroit at Soldier Field on Jan. 3.

“Our goal is finishing strong,” Bears defensive end Jarvis Jenkins said. “Coach Fox talked about finishing 9-7. These last games are going to be a test of character. Obviously the playoffs are a long shot. We can’t go in these last couple of games saying the season is over. These last four games are definitely going to be a test of character for the whole team.”