The Weekend Bears Den: December 01, 2012 - Week 13 News and Notes

Bears offense seeking quick start Sunday - Larry Mayer: After struggling early in games most of the season, the Bears offense is determined not to sack its own QB to get off to a fast start Sunday.

[Video] Thayer's game preview - Thayer & Mayer look ahead to Sunday's visit of the Seahawks, and Tom Thayer offers his insight on the challenges the reconstituted OL will face.

Hall of Fame announces semifinalists for 2013 - Six first-year eligible players, including Larry Allen and Warren Sapp, are part of the 27 semifinalists announced to be considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2013.

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Bears-Seahawks previews and news

Game preview - Kip Lewis: Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III have made the headlines for their successful rookie campaigns underneath center, but Russell Wilson is close behind in Seattle.

[Video] Kip Lewis & Moon Mullin - The duo look at the Bears' offense and how the defense will handle Seattle.

Moon Mullin's scouting report: Offense - Facing a fearsome pass rush with a shaky OL, keeping Jay Cutler upright is the Bears' top priority heading in to Sunday's contest.

Moon Mullin's scouting report: Defense - Marshawn Lynch is the most talented player on the Seahawks' offense, but Russell Wilson is the player the Bears' defense may have to shut down.

[Video] Game preview - Can the Seahawks pressure Jay Cutler? Some nice video footage of Cutler's footwork in and out of the pocket to compensate for the OL.

Joniak’s keys to the game - Jeff Joniak's on what the Bears need to do as they take on the Seahawks.

Game preview - Tom Thayer: Life can be difficult for a rookie QB on the road, and that's exactly how life has been for Seahawks rookie signal caller Russell Wilson.

Game preview - Gregg Rosenthal: The Seahawks might be poised to overtake the Bears on Sunday, capitalizing on a weak OL.

[Video] Game preview - HoF QB Warren Moon, now working as a color commentator for the Seahawks, breaks down Sunday's matchup.

How do Marshall and Sherman stack up? - The Bears' most-targeted player (by a factor of 3 to 1) against arguably the NFL's top corner this season.

PFF' 3 things to focus on - Three key matchups that could play a major role in determining the outcome of this game.

Game preview - Maggie Hendricks with what you need to know before kickoff.

Team news - Vaughn McClure: Sanzenbacher has shot at some time in rotation; injury news.

Injury report - Moon Mullin: Marcus Trufant is listed as doubtful and WR Sidney Rice is now questionable for the Seahawks. As much as the Bears are hurting, they're better off than Seattle.

It's Eric Weems' time to take off - Brad Biggs: ST ace is getting chance to return kicks Sunday with Devin Hester out.

Bears hope to get a kick out of Weems - Jeff Dickerson: Dave Toub likes Eric Weems' straight ahead running style on kick returns.

Time for payback? - Larry Mayer: Some Bears still have a bad taste in their mouths from last year's 38-14 defeat to the Seahawks. Plus, injury news.

Game picks - The CBSChicago crew nearly all pick the Beloved to win, as does ESPN, and by "ESPN" I mean Ditka. The Tribune crew anticipate a narrow win for the Bears. We don't care what the SunTimes writers think 'cos they're now behind a paywall.

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Updates

Game preview - W2W4: Michael C. Wright breaks down the Bears-Seahawks matchup. Nuts & Bolts.

Coach's big decision - Michael C. Wright: Will Carimi’s performance in this outing lead to the staff pondering whether guard is the spot for the second-year veteran moving into the offseason?

Four Downs - Brad Biggs with some thoughts prior to the week 13 game.

Three Bears - Brad Biggs: Going into Sunday's game, Marshall is too hot, Forte too cold, and Roach is just right.

Know thy enemy - Dan Pompei's scouting report on Seahawks CB Richard Sherman.

Matt Bowen's playbook - Bears will bunch things up in an effort to free Brandon Marshall on a crossing route.

McClellin ranks near the middle of his class - Dan Pompei: Of the seven notable pass rushers in the 2012 NFL draft, the Bears' pick is an impressive third.

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Other Bears news

Conte's Week 8 fine reduced $10,000 - Vaughn McClure: Safety pleaded his case to the NFL and it agreed somewhat in lessening the original $21,000 penalty for a defenseless hit. Cutler and Weems were also fined for the Vikings game...

NFCN Blog - Tim Jennings ranks second among all NFL defensive players in pass dropbacks disrupted.

ESPN Chicago Chatwrap - Michael C. Wright's Q&A session.

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Polish sausage

Know thy enemy: Lions - Preview of the Colts' visit to Ford Field. PFF's 3 Things to Focus On. Will Andrew Luck wearing a groin guard?

Know thy enemy: Lions - The Lions sound as if they’ve REALLY moved on from Titus Young. Well, if you will insist on drafting known low-character, incredibly childish players...

Know thy enemies - Vikings visit Lambeau. PFF's take. Dennis Dillon: Playoff implications are immense. Go, Vikings Team Rence!

NFL.com's Best of the week 12 cheerleaders - How you doin'?

Dane's guest videos: Seattle music week - Macklemore, The Town