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The Weekend Bears Den: November 02, 2013 - Week 9 news and notes

One final look back at Breast Cancer Awareness month.

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Larry Mayer's Chalk Talk - Larry discusses what the Bears expect from Josh McCown, how the Bears contend with Aaron Rodgers' three-step drops, and if Devin Hester will play anything other than special teams.

James Anderson now starting alongside rookies he’s mentoring - Patrick Finley: Helping young players was one reason the Bears signed Anderson in March. At Mel Tucker’s urging, the team’s veteran LBs spent the week tutoring Bostic and Greene.

Khaseem Greene is square in the crosshairs - Mark Potash: Khaseem Greene says he learns quickly and he learns well. We’ll soon find out.

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

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Bears-Packers

Bears defense faces tough test against Packers - Larry Mayer: A struggling Bears defense is determined to improve, but the injury-depleted unit will face arguably its most daunting challenge of the season Monday night.

Injury news - Michael C. Wright: Charles Tillman and Blake Costanzo returned to practice on Friday inside the Walter Payton Center. Tillman was reportedly at full speed, according to Trestman.

Game preview - Michael C. Wright and Rob Demovsky break down Monday night's matchup and give their predictions.

Bears plan to play their style of offense at Green Bay - Michael C. Wright: Playing a ball-control style of offense makes sense against the prolific offense of the Packers, but the Bears won't hold if back given the opportunity.

Game preview - Adam Hoge: Bears look to close offensive gap with Packers after two miserable outings last season against Green Bay.

Game preview - PFF with three things to watch out for.

Know thy enemy - Jeff Dickerson: Opponents have long feared the Packers' lethal passing attack, led by Aaron Rodgers, but this season the Bears also have to prepare to stop Eddie Lacy and the Packers' ground game.

[Video] View from the Moon - Moon Mullin on how different the Bears offense will look without Cutler, how the Bears will run against the Packers, and how Green Bay will attack the Bears.

Game preview: O-line - Moon Mullin: The time-honored bromide of "Run at speed, run away from power" is difficult when a defense like Green Bay’s has power everywhere.

Game preview: QB - Moon Mullin: If McCown is completing passes at a rate of 60 percent or better, the offense should be moving, keeping the Chicago defense off the field.

Game preview: RB - Moon Mullin: Forte is as effective coming out of the backfield as a receiver and looms as perhaps the single most important player for the Bears.

Team notes - Adam Hoge: The Bears are looking to stop the pressure the Packers' defense has put on their QB in recent years. Plus, injury news, the SLB competition, and notes ahead of the game.

Team notes - Adam Hoge: Tillman will likely play Monday; Cutler showing signs of recovery; Trestman on Bears-Packers rivalry; injury news.

Game notes - Mark Potash: Eddie Lacy adds dimension to Packers’ offense; injury news from both camps.

Team notes - Larry Mayer: Like Cutler, McCown provides input on game plan; injury news; SLB competition.

Game notes - Dan Wiederer: Eddie Lacy is NFL's Offensive ROTM for gaining 395 yards in four victories; family reunion for Mills; injury notes.

The 'tight' spot for the Bears defense - Chris Boden: Teams are having success throwing to TEs against the Bears, so expect Rodgers to get his involved on Monday night.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Major Wright joins the crew to weigh in on facing the Packers.

Monday night more than just a rivalry game - Dan Wiederer: Outcome could go a long way in determining the 4-3 Bears' playoff prospects.

View from the enemy - Rob Demovsky: No DB in the NFL has forced more fumbles in the last decade than Charles Tillman, and no one knows that better than the Packers.

Know thy enemy - Dan Wiederer & Rich Campbell: With so many key players out, the next man up cliche really has played to the Packers' advantage.

Know thy enemy - Dan Wiederer: Aaron Rodgers' continued excellence has steadied first-place Packers, and more odds and ends on the team in Green Bay.

Know thy enemy - Jim Owczarski: Rookie LT David Bakhtiari is preparing to battle the DE he once looked up to.

Know thy enemy - Rob Demovsky: In 16 seasons with the Packers, Favre went 22-10 against the Bears. Aaron Rodgers has been even better, with the best winning percentage by any QB with at least 10 starts in the Packers-Bears rivalry.

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Bearsss

Struggling safeties Conte, Wright haven’t had much help - Adam L. Jahns: This time a year ago Conte and Wright were considered a young, blossoming safety tandem — a possible long-term solution to a revolving-door problem for the Bears. That seems like such a long time ago.

Will contract year play into Cutler's return? - Mike North: If Cutler comes back early from his groin injury, will it be because it’s a contract year or because he is actually healed?

Bears mailbag - Jeff Dickerson's readers' Q&A: Y BEARS NO THROW MONEY AT JAY RATLIFF???!?!?!!

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Ditka

Four downs with Ditka - Da Coach on Bears-Packers, reuniting with Jim McMahon, players and social media, and Ditkaween.

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Polish sausage

Know thy enemy: Vikings - Jordan Garretson previews Vikings-Cowboys. PFF: 3 things to focus on ... Spielman: 'Leslie Frazier is not going anywhere'

NFL.com cheerleaders gallery - Best of the week 8 cheerleaders.

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