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The Bears Den: October 30, 2013 - Week 9 news and notes

By Spongie

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Jonathan Daniel

Larry Mayer's Chalk Talk - Larry discusses if the Bears will lean more on Forte with Cutler out, who will call plays on defense in place of Briggs, and how the Bears can be more consistent.

Lunch with Larry - The Bears Senior Writer hosts his weekly fan chat on ChicagoBears.com.

10 observations - Mark Potash's thoughts heading into the post-bye-week game against the Packers at Lambeau Field.

Follow WCG on Twitter; like us on Facebook (& click on 'Subscribed to'). Click for Chicago Bears Tickets. Check out David "OSS" Taylor's CheekyMonkeyArt prints and t-shirts. Den pic in hi-res.

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Cutler injury

Cutler hopes to return sooner than four-week timetable - Larry Mayer: Jay Cutler is expected to miss at least four weeks with a torn groin muscle, but the QB told reporters Tuesday that he hopes to return sooner than that.

Bears think Cutler might be back sooner than expected - Mark Potash: The last time he was out for an extended period of time, we didn’t talk with him for six months. This time, it took only nine days. You don’t have to be a doctor to know that is a good sign with Cutler.

Cutler: 'Goal' is early return - Jeff Dickerson: In his first public comments since tearing a groin muscle on Oct. 20, Jay Cutler stated Tuesday that his goal is to return to the field before the minimum four-week timeline the team announced.

Cutler on the fast track to recovery - Dan Wiederer: Josh McCown almost certainly will start at quarterback against the Packers. But beyond that? Well, Cutler's optimism obviously has grown contagious.

NFL's best backup QBs - Steve Silverman: McCown must perform and show the consistency that few backups can muster if the Bears are going to have a chance against a team that has tormented them for years.

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Defense

Rare feat: Bears could start a second rookie tandem for ‘13 - Moon Mullin: All four of Phil Emery’s top four 2013 draft picks could be starting against the Green Bay Packers.

Tough task ahead for rookie LBs - Bob LeGere: Starting two rookie LBs isn't ideal for a defense facing Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' offense, but that's the situation the Bears could be in next Monday night at Lambeau Field.

[Video] - Lance Briggs joins Jim Boden to speak for the first time about his injury.

Newcomers welcome pressure as Bears’ ‘D’ digs deeper - Adam L. Jahns: A viable pass rush can make a world of difference on numerous levels, and the Bears have to find ways to maximize backups pressed into service.

Trestman not considering changes at safety - Michael C. Wright: Marc Trestman isn’t ready to jerk Conte and Wright from the starting lineup, and made it clear Monday he hasn’t even considered such a move.

Trestman: Other phases must help defense - Rich Campbell: Asked if it's realistic to expect significant improvement from the defense after the weekend analysis, Trestman challenged the offense and special teams to help pick up the slack.

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Bearsss

Forte has same role, it’s just more important - Patrick Finley: Marc Trestman wants Matt Forte to carry the ball — not the team. But the ground game still needs to improve, starting Monday in Green Bay.

Joniak's Journal - Jeff Joniak's thoughts on Cutler's return, production in the run game, rookies on the O-line, and decisions to make at LB.

Team notes - Patrick Finley: Marshall earns points with teammates; LB decisions to be made.

Team notes - Bob LeGere: Team could look to Forte for more production; Forte on McCown's anticipation on passing routes.

Team notes - Adam Hoge: Marshall earned respect from his team for how he handled Meriweather's comments; Forte wants more out of running game; adjustments to be made with Briggs out.

Team notes - Dan Wiederer: Bears figure to turn more to the running game with Cutler out; Tillman still dealing with nagging inflammation in his left knee.

NFC North Midseason Awards - Ryan Wilson assesses the state of each team in the NFCN and sums up the first half of each team's season in one gif. Jim Corbett doesn't have any gifs.

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Polish sausage

Know thy enemy: Packers - Brad Biggs: This might be Aaron Rodgers' best season, as he pieces together an offense that could be missing three of its top skill position players Monday night.

X&Os - Try as they might, defenses just can't seem to stop Calvin Johnson. Bucky Brooks delves into the different ways the Lions take full advantage of the most talented WR in the NFL today.

Know thy enemy: Vikings - Ben Goessling: Jared Allen's staying -- now what?

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