clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

The Bears Den: November 21, 2013 - Week 12 news & notes

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Spor

Bears back on practice field prepping for Rams - Larry Mayer: Three days after their marathon win over the Ravens, the Bears return to the practice field Wednesday to prepare for Sunday's road game against the Rams.

Marc Trestman is the Anti-Coach - Tim Baffoe: As exemplified by his on-the-spot explanation of why he didn't call a timeout on the Raven's last drive, such candidness and volume of response is not supposed to happen from an NFL coach.

Brad Biggs' Bears mailbag - Readers' Q&A about field conditions during Sunday's game, players drafted after McClellin, and the race to the postseason.

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

----------
Bears-Rams

Know thy enemy - Dan Durkin: While the pace may be glacial and it’s evident the Rams are still a few years away, Jeff Fisher’s team are making progress.

Jordan Mills studying up on Chris Long - Rich Campbell: And who better to tutor the Bears RT for the test of facing Rams DE than brother Kyle Long.

McClellin to return vs. Rams after injury halted his progress - Adam L. Jahns: It was the breakout, feel-good game the second-year DE was yearning for. After sitting out two games, he's looking to get back on track.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - The panel discuss McCown's run as a starter and preview Bears-Rams. [KAPCON: 5]

Team news - Larry Mayer: McClellin optimistic about returning against Rams; Wootton expected to help fill DT void with Paea questionable; more injury updates.

[Video] Game preview - Moon Mullin looks ahead to Bears-Rams and shares his thoughts on the Bears' QB situation.

[Video] Game preview - Moon Mullin: Bears-Rams more than just a game to Long family; can the Bears mount a pass rush and stop the run?

Backup QBs working better in Chicago than St. Louis - Moon Mullin: The football seasons of Chicago and St. Louis have turned and will continue to turn for the time being at least, on backup QBs.

Know thy enemy - Dan Wiederer: Bears have big challenge in limiting the big-play capability of diminutive, explosive returner-receiver Tavon Austin.

Know thy enemy - Michael C. Wright: Former Bears first-round draft pick Chris Williams set to face former team. Moon Mullin: Finding success in St. Louis.

----------
Long vs Long

Kyle Long gearing up to battle brother for first time - Larry Mayer: Bears right guard Kyle Long has never played against his other brother, Chris, a star DE with the Rams, in any sport at any level. But that will change Sunday in St. Louis.

Long brothers brace for their first meeting in Bears-Rams game - Patrick Finley: During timeouts on Sundays, Kyle looks up to the scoreboard for Rams updates. Sunday, he’ll just look across the field. Howie Long takes first football Sunday off in 33 years to enjoy game as a proud dad.

Kyle Long ready to face off with brother - Bob LeGere: Kyle Long will be looking across the line of scrimmage Sunday at his older brother Chris, the Rams' standout DE, and someone he's looked up to his whole life. Moon Mullin: Kyle is clear that his older brother holds a place beyond special with him.

Howie Long: Kyle looks up to his older brother - Hall of Famer and Fox analyst Howie Long told the Boers and Bernstein Show what it is going to be like to see his two sons play each other in an NFL game. Includes [Audio].

More to watch than just Kyle Long vs Chris Long - Adam Hoge: Jake Long is not related, but he’ll play a huge role in the outcome of the game. Television broadcasters have been screwing up the Longs all season, so good luck Sunday, Kenny Albert.

Brothers Chris and Kyle to square off in Rams-Bears game - Melissa Isaacson: When the Long brothers meet on the field, it won't be easy on their parents.

----------
Bearsss

Peppers needs to be fresh to get the job done - Mark Potash: Julius Peppers is 33 and, by his own admission, ‘‘not fresh’’ after 10 games of his 12th NFL season. But he’s still Julius Peppers.

Trestman bullish on Tucker, Bears' defense - Dan Wiederer: With Bears defense struggling, reshuffling, Trestman believes Mel Tucker continues offering stability. Even with a long log of significant injuries, a sense of desperation has never crept in.

Hester could figure into plans on defense after Frey injury - Dan Wiederer: Marc Trestman wouldn't rule out the possibility of Hester figuring into his plan on defense after Isaiah Frey injures hand. Jeff Dickerson: Worked one-on-one with DBs coach Jon Hoke at the conclusion of the workout.

Injury news - Jeff Dickerson: Isaiah Frey has fractured hand; Shea McClellin practices; more injury notes. Cutler out of hard cast; still week-to-week.

Cutler out of hard cast; McClellin set to return - Adam L. Jahns: The Bears simply can’t shake that injury bug. Offense, defense and special teams all have been affected. Pat Mannelly's back. It's all good.

Injury news - Rich Campbell: McClellin should play Sunday; more injury notes.

Team notes - Adam Hoge: Hester worked out with DBs in practice Wednesday; Cutler out of his cast; Ratliff participating in individual drills; more notes.

Ten players who could get slapped with a franchise tag - Joel Corry: Chicago's wait-and-see approach with Cutler hasn't provided clarity on making a long-term commitment to him because he's missed games with groin and ankle injuries.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Should Bears should just lock Cutler up now? [KAPCON: 5]

Soft schedule has potential to lift Bears into NFC playoffs - Dan Wiederer: There’s a long road between now and then, but it seems the Bears could again head into the season’s final weekend with everything at stake.

Bears (and Rams) doing good things - The Bears have set up a website where they will auction off game-worn and game-used equipment from Sunday’s game against the Ravens to help those affected by the storm; the Rams have donated a 16-person suite for Sunday’s game, which will be included in the auction.

----------
Polish sausage

HOF 2014 semifinalists - The first cut in the Hall of Fame’s selection process for 2014 resulted in the list of 25 semifinalists being revealed. No Bears.

Know thy enemy: Vikings - Fran Tarkenton: The old Bill Parcells quote says, "You are what your record says you are." And right now, the Vikings are a struggling 2-8 team. Their answer at QB isn't on the team.

More from Windy City Gridiron: