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The Bears Den: November 20, 2013 - Week 12 news & notes

By Spongie

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Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Spor

Larry Mayer's Chalk Talk - Larry discusses whether the Bears would make the playoffs if the season ended today, why the Bears didn't call any timeouts late in the Ravens game, and why the Bears opted to punt on fourth-and-one.

Trestman just focused on next game - Bob LeGere: Marc Trestman says he doesn't concern himself with the Bears' 6-4 record, but he's clealry in the minority, as the race for the postseason heats up.

Road record determining factor in Bears success - Mike Mulligan: Bears play four of their next five away from Soldier Field and playoff teams almost always are above .500 on the road

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Cutler, McCown

At 34, 'Big Game' Josh right at home with Bears - Mike North: Bears fans always love their backup QBs untill they play, but it’s a much different story with Josh McCown.

McCown proving to be clutch for Bears - James Neveau: There aren't many Bears fans that would've expected Josh McCown to make a 40-plus yard throw to help win a game this season, but that's exactly what he did Sunday.

[Video] ESPN Hot Button - Eric Allen: Should Josh McCown's play factor into the Bears' decision to commit to Jay Cutler long-term?

Dave McGinnis a big fan of McCown - David Haugh: Rams assistant Dave McGinnis remembers Josh McCown's first days in the NFL, when he was his first head coach.

Without Trestman’s system, McCown isn’t this good - Mark Potash: It remains to be seen if McCown is riding a wave or has reached a new plateau in his career, with echoes of Rick Mirer's brief rejuvenation under Trestman as a cautionary tale.

[Audio] - Josh McCown dishes on gaining respect from his teammates, his role as a backup. the different perspectives of players and coaches, watching tape of Rich Gannon and more.

Cutler, McCown share mutual respect - Michael C. Wright: Cutler is embracing the assistant's role while out with a left ankle injury and says the backup is deserving of his recent success.

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Bears-Rams

Game preview - Brad Biggs' early look at the Bears-Rams game in St. Louis: The Rams will be rested coming out of their late week off.

Know thy enemy - Steve Silverman compares how the Bears and Rams stack up at QB and on offense, defense, and special teams.

Bears-Rams game a Long family affair - Brad Biggs: Rookie guard Kyle Long will go against Rams DE Chris Long with Hall-of-Fame father Howie Long proudly watching both live.

[Audio] - Kyle Long joins Carmen & Jurko to discuss the win over the Ravens, Sunday's matchup against the Rams and his brother Chris and more.

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Bearsss

Lunch with Larry - Q. Do you give relationship advice? LM: Sure. Four words of wisdom for you: Happy wife, happy life.

Trestman gaining confidence in depleted defense - Larry Mayer: While injuries have decimated the defense this season, improving young players such as Jon Bostic are beginning to inspire confidence in the unit.

The amazing healing power of the Bears' non-existent run defense - Because a defense that's lost eight players and is forced to press rookies and journeymen into key roles is going to look like the '85 Bears. Thanks, Rosenmoan.

Paea toe injury threatens already shaky run D - Moon Mullin: Already without two of his top three DTs due to season-ending knee injuries, Mel Tucker is now expected to be without the third of those top three as his starting NT deals with a toe injury.

Seeing red: Bears failures to close may doom playoff hopes - Moon Mullin: If the Bears are going to play more than 16 games in the 2013 season, their current TD scoring rate in the red zone won’t work.

Joniak's Journal - Jermon Bushrod will be tested by Robert Quinn on Sunday, and more thoughts on the Bears.

Team notes - Mark Potash: Bears’ defense getting run over; Bass strikes blow for ‘D’ rookies; winning division Bears’ best bet of making playoffs.

Roster news - Scott Krinch: Bears sign LB Lawrence Wilson, waive Jeremy Cain Pat Mannelly is back. BACK!

Football Outsiders - Week 11: Perhaps the biggest surprise is that Chicago continues to hover among the top teams in DVOA despite a backup QB and a ton of defensive injuries.

Shot that left Steltz dazed may have been illegal - Dan Wiederer: Craig Steltz was left shaken after absorbing a shot from Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk during an overtime kickoff on Sunday.

Bears take step back on penalty front - James Neveau: If the Bears are going to be a serious contender for an NFC playoff berth, then they have to clean up their undisciplined play after a 13-penalty outing against the Ravens Sunday.

Stock Watch - Jeff Dickerson: Pass rush makes an impact; expect Marshall to bounce back.

Bears mailbag - Adam Hoge with a readers' Q&A session.

Bears doing good things - Robbie Gould was among seven current and former Bears players who supported the American Red Cross' tornado relief efforts Tuesday in Coal City. [Video] Rich Campbell: Bears help tornado relief effort in Coal City.

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Polish sausage

Know thy enemy: Lions - Michael Rothstein: What a complete collapse for the Lions ... Locker room buzz ... Upon further review ... PFF's three performances of note.

Know thy enemy: Vikings - Ben Goessling: Ponder's second half was among the ugliest he's had in 2 1/2 professional seasons ... Locker room buzz ... Upon further review ... PFF's three performances of note.

Know thy enemy: Vikings - John Breech: Eric Dickerson says Adrian Peterson needs a QB. [He's already got three! - Den] Ben Goessling: Is it now or never for Freeman?

Know thy enemy: Packers - Mike Mazzeo: The Packers' once promising season is quickly crumbling ... Locker room buzz ... Upon further review ... D allows more plays than it makes ... PFF's three performances of note.

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