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The Bears Den: November 14, 2013 - Week 11 news and notes

Is Conte growing a mo' for Movember? Will it render unto him the power of a microDitka?

By Spongie

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Jonathan Daniel

Larry Mayer's Chalk Talk - Larry discusses why the Bears went for a fourth down conversion against the Lions, Jay Cutler's interception in the end zone, and Charles Tillman's future with the Bears.

Schedule points to improvement for defense - Adam Hoge: Defensive performances like Sunday’s against the Lions might be good enough to get the five wins in seven games the team needs to get to the playoffs.

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

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Bears-Ravens

Bears begin prepping to face defending champions - Larry Mayer: Three days after their frustrating loss to the Lions, the Bears return to the practice field Wednesday to prepare for Sunday's home game against the Ravens.

Know thy enemy - Dan Durkin's Ravens preview: It’s hard to write off a team that’s been to the playoffs five straight years.

Know thy enemy - Mark Potash: Joe Flacco struggling after signing huge contract in offseason. Moon Mullin: Flacco's struggles may bode well for Bears.

Team notes - Patrick Finley: Ravens CB Lardarius Webb has been tough on Marshall; injury and roster news.

Know thy enemy - Moon Mullin: Ravens faring far better sans Lewis than Bears post-Urlacher.

Injury news - Michael C. Wright: Cutler, Briggs out; Ratliff progressing; McClellin did some light work prior to session. Never mind all that, Pat Mannelly sat out of practice Wednesday.

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Defense

Injuries on defense causing Bears to rely on youth - Larry Mayer: Instead of dwelling on the injuries that have depleted the defense, the Bears are embracing the opportunity to develop a slew of young players.

Injuries lead to revamped ­practices, game plans for Bears - Adam L. Jahns: With numerous starters and veterans lost with injuries and so many rookies and inexperienced players are counted upon, there’s a balance between overloading first- and second-year players and being prepared for all the looks offenses present.

Bowman slides into Tillman's spot at CB - Jeff Dickerson: A strong effort from the 6-foot-1, 196 pound Bowman over the final seven games might influence the direction the Bears head in the offseason in regards to CB. Moon Mullin: Previous stint as starter didn't end well.

Critical lapses crushing Bears defense - Dan Wiederer: Mistakes key to Lions' clinching TD pass and on a crucial 39-yard run that ignited a scoring drive at the start of the second half.

Bears' defense leaky vs run game so far - Gene Chamberlain: Mel Tucker calls it more a matter of trust than physical failure, that players have to trust each other and stay in their gaps of responsibility. Rich Campbell: Trestman content with rookie LBs.

Trestman: Mel Tucker has done 'amazing' job - Moon Mullin: The Bears held only one of their final five opponents in 2012 to fewer than 21 points, suggesting that Tucker inherited some issues.

Conte 'needed' his game against the Lions - Moon Mullin: Until last Sunday, Chris Conte’s present was perhaps in more question than his future.

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Bearsss

Roster news - Bears sign safety Derrick Martin to one-year deal.

Four Downs - Are Marshall & Jeffery the best receiver duo in the NFL, and has Peanut played his last game as a Bear? Jeff Dickerson & Jon Greenberg give their views on four Bears topics.

Team notes - Larry Mayer: Conte looks to build on breakout performance; Derrick Martin signed; injury news.

Team notes - Adam Hoge: Trestman gives Tucker a vote of confidence Wednesday; Marshall has respect for Ravens CB Lardarius Webb from previous encounter; injury news & more notes.

Team notes - Dan Wiederer: Ratliff return to action still uncertain. expected to be a force for decimated defense; Marshall-Jeffery most productive WR tandem in league; more team news.

Dionne Miller's 'Happenings at Halas' - November 13: Marshall focused on building dynamic WR tandem with Jeffery; Tucker currently putting together his 10th different defensive lineup for the 10th game of the season.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Trestman's mistake leaving Cutler in; should McCown stay in if he plays well? [KAPCON: 4 ... Peter Brown, as usual, out-Kaplans Kaplan]

Marshall should put down the whine list - Steve Rosenbloom: If you don’t want your QB to be so easily abused, have your O-line block someone.

Chicago sports have been hit hard by injuries - Rick Morrissey: We can’t help but look at all the injured athletes in Chicago and wonder, ‘‘Who’s next?’’

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Polish sausage

Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky: Positive vibes around Scott Tolzien-Matt Flynn combo ... but offense very different without Rodgers.

Know thy enemy: Vikings - Ben Goessling: Patterson's versatility sets him up for comparisons to Percy Harvin. Brian Murphy: Jerome Simpson could face prison time for drinking offense.

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