The Bears Den: September 29, 2012 - Week 4 News and Notes

Joniak’s keys to the game - Jeff Joniak’s “Keys to the Game” for Bears-Cowboys on Monday Night Football.

Devin Hester frustrated with role in offense - Jesse Rogers: Was on the field for just 11-of-69 offensive snaps against the Rams.

Larry Mayer's Chalk Talk - Does Cutler play better in day games? How are Alshon Jeffery's stat compared to other rookie WRs? What is the Bears' team record for most sacks in a season?

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Bears-Cowboys

[Video] Kip Lewis & Moon Mullin - Previewing Monday night's showdown. Moon Mullin's top is making my eyes go funny.

Bears’ prime concern vs. Cowboys is DeMarco Murray - Joe Cowley: Since Murray took over as the full-time RB, the formula for the Cowboys’ offensive success has been simple: When he has 20 carries or more, Dallas hasn’t lost (6-0).

Beating Dallas would be a confidence boost for Bears - Kip Lewis: The Bears need a signature win to get their offense going and a win over the Cowboys on Monday night could be just what the team needs.

Bears forced to adjust without Evan Rodriguez - Jeff Dickerson: Three other players to take on his roles on offense and punt, kickoff units.

Marinelli trying to pace rookie McClellin - Bob LeGere: Rod Marinelli wants to maximize the production from rookie Shea McClellin without overusing him. Plus, game news.

Bears focus on containing mobile Tony Romo - Jeff Dickerson: Although Romo has made his share of mistakes in big games over the years, he is still the third-highest rated passer (96.6) in the history of the NFL and has a record of 49-31 as a starter.

NFCN Blog: Luxury of 4-man pressure - Kevin Seifert: Of all the matchups in Monday night's game, the Bears' DL might hold the biggest advantage over a disappointing Cowboys OL.

Cowboys having OL problems of their own - Jeff Dickerson: For all the criticism levied toward the Bears' OL, the situation up front in Dallas might be worse, albeit for slightly different reasons.

Shea McClellin progressing, but snaps are still limited - Mark Potash: Could come in handy Monday night against Tony Romo, a noted scrambler. Plus, game news.

Team news - Brad Biggs: Forte adept at alleviating pass rush as well as catching ball out of the backfield; Hester close to breaking one; other team & injury news.

Coach's Big Decision: When to help Webb? - Michael C. Wright: Having already run out of chances, Webb could be pulled from the starting lineup if he performs poorly. That’s another difficult decision Lovie or Tice will have to make.

Defenses expected to determine outcome Monday night - If the trends continue, Monday night will be a battle of the defenses between the Bears and Cowboys.

Other Bears news

So far, with 14 sacks, Bears relying on four-man rush - Vaughn McClure: Blitz is still a major part of defensive arsenal, ready to mix in at any time.

Bears using “Where’s Waldo?” approach to pass rush - Moon Mullin: The Bears have taken a unique approach with their defensive lineman this season, mixing-and-matching them at different positions.

Tom Thayer on Mully & Hanley - Expects the best is yet to come on offense, as the new tools are integrated. More on [Audio].

'Preseason' over for improving Urlacher - Jesse Rogers: A normal preseason for any NFL veteran usually means seeing action in three exhibition games to get ready for the regular season. By that measurement, Brian Urlacher’s training camp just ended.

Urlacher is close to being himself again - Mark Potash: That the Bears have not needed Urlacher at vintage level is a credit to improved play from supporting-cast members.

Boomer Esiaison on Mully & Hanley - “It always goes back to the QB. I hate to say it, and unfortunately Jay Cutler is going to hear it until the numbers start improving. They went out and got pretty much everybody that he was supposedly comfortable with around him. It’s now up for him to take it to the next level."

Why Devin Hester shouldn't grumble about playing time - Maggie Hendricks's comprehensive breakdown of the stats.

Dionne Miller's 'Happenings from Halas' - September 28: The Bears are ranked 27th in total offense. The Cowboys are the leagues' No. 1 defense. So that's the storyline heading into Monday Night. It's a big stage for them to take a big step.

Everything else

Week 4 picks - Courtesy of Dan Durkin (Cowboys 23, Bears 20), Peter Schrager (Cowboys 24, Bears 16), the PFF crew (2-of-8 pick Bears), Sam Farmer (Cowboys 24, Bears 20).

Matt Bowen's playbook - 'All-22' breakdown of Chiefs' CB Stanford Routt's INT vs. Drew Brees on the 'Wheel' route.

Walter Payton's brother takes stab at setting the record straight - Fred Mitchell: Eddie Payton vigorously defends the legacy and reputation of his famous brother.

Know thy enemy - PFF's Three things to focus on: Saints v. Packers.

Know thy enemy - PFF's three things to focus on: Vikings v. Lions.

All I want is the Lombardi.