The Bears Den: October 28, 2013 - Week 8 news and notes

It's hard to find rosy scenarios now for the Bears - Brad Biggs: A succession of under-performing draft classes has caught up with the Bears and the task ahead for Phil Emery is daunting.

Bears, Lions, Packers have easy schedules to make playoff run - Hub Arkush: Other than each other, none of the three NFC North contenders has a team with a winning record left on its schedule.

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Evaluating the Bears' Top 10 concerns - Chris Boden revisits the top 10 concerns in Trestman's first year, stretching all the way back to the start of training camp.

Five questions facing Bears after week off - Rich Campbell: Concerns on defense, at QB biggest for Trestman & Co.

Trestman's 'gamble' early key to Bears second half - Moon Mullin: In spite of, or perhaps because of, losing three of their last four games, Trestman and his staff opted instead to give players the entire week away from football.

Bostic has brains plus brawn - Adam L. Jahns: Not only will Bostic make his second career start next Monday night in Green Bay, but the Bears are considering having him handle the defensive calls. Could be joined by Khaseem Greene.

Collinsworth on Bears offense: 'This system is working' - Nick Wilder: NBC's Cris Collinsworth believes that the Bears must find a way to solve what ails them, but for once it's not the offense.

With Cutler out, figure on seeing more of Forte - Mark Potash: Since bursting through a hole for a 50-yard TD run to spark an upset victory against the Colts in his NFL debut in 2008, Matt Forte has had a knack for making a difference when the Bears really need him.

Bears in better hands with McCown than previous backups - Mark Potash: Before Cutler’s most recent injury, the Bears were 2-10 in games in which he was injured or didn’t play. They are hopeful it’ll be different this time. Bob LeGere: Will be McCown's most extensive playing time in six years.

Bears doing good things - Nick Wilder: Robbie Gould hosts first 'Run for the Gould' 5K.

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NFP Sunday Blitz - Len Pasquarelli: A look inside NFL defenses, who happen to be scoring at an alarming rate; plus, more from around the NFL.

Ex-Bear news - Lauren Abdel-Razzaq: Israel Idonije introduced his super characters to Detroit Fanfare Comic Con on Saturday.

Know thy enemy: Lions - Cowboys 30. Lions 31: NFL.com game report & highlights.

Know thy enemies - Packers 44, Vikings 31: NFL.com report & highlights.

More from Windy City Gridiron:

• Chicago Bears Playbook - The Josh McCown Offense
• NFL Week 8 Open Thread: Packers leading the NFC North
• Chicago Bears' Bye Week Assessment
• Sports Illustrated For Kids picks the Top Ten of Everything, but were the Chicago Bears represented?
• Brandon Marshall called "Extraordinarily Heroic"
• Chicago Bears Sackwatch 2013: Week 7 vs. Washington Redskins

Lou Reed died yesterday, aged 71.