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The Bears Den: November 04, 2013 - Week 9 news and notes

This. Is. Spartaaaaa!

By Spongie

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Jonathan Daniel

Numbers game not a pretty one to play for Bears - Bob LeGere: It's good for the Bears that Monday night's game will be played on the field and not on paper.

Bears' stumbles, Packers put Trestman philosophy to crucial test - Moon Mullin: Trestman’s overriding philosophy for a season lends itself to avoiding thinking in terms of stretches one way or the other, but rather to focus on the next game and only the next game.

Mannelly reflects on emotional win over Packers - Larry Mayer: Long-snapper Patrick Mannelly was only in his second season with the Bears in 1999, but time hasn't dulled his memories of an emotional win in Green Bay.

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

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Bears-Packers

Bears believe McCown is equipped for success - Rich Campbell: Backup's mentality, experience, his supporting cast and Marc Trestman's QB-friendly scheme should add up to production against Packers.

McCown, Palmer put time in to prepare for Packers - Bob LeGere: The Bears QBs' exemplary work ethic is nothing less than what Trestman would expect.

Game preview - Mark Potash: Bears’ offensive minds have been no match for Dom Capers; unit-by-unit preview of tonight's game.

Game preview - The Tribune's key matchups, game picks, and things to consider going into tonight's game. Dan Wiederer: 3 Bears to watch.

Special teams usually play significant role vs. Packers - Mark Potash: Hester and the special teams units generally are a luxury but usually a necessity against the Packers, having figured prominently in each of the Bears’ four victories over them since 2007.

Hard to make case Bears have realistic chance of beating Packers - Rick Morrissey tries to be funny and/or clever.

Life sure is good ... if you're a Packers fan - Mike Imrem: The fight won't be fair Monday night when you look at who the two teams have at QB. Then again, it's not been fair for the past 58 seasons.

Matt Bowen: Scouting the Bears - Eddie Lacy makes the Packers' passing game stronger with his mere presence as Rodgers will try to exploit secondary with play action,

Game preview - Jeff Joniak with his keys to the game.

Game preview - Jeff Dickerson looks at how the two teams match up.

[Video] Game preview - Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden preview tonight's matchup between Aaron Rodgers' Packers and the Bears.

[Audio] - Lester talks Bears-Packers! You listen! You listen now! [Jump to 14:30]

Team notes - Brad Biggs: Josh McCown takes nothing for granted; Bears second-best in NFL for offensive penalties; Jay Ratliff added on one-year contract.

Game notes - Larry Mayer: Tillman practiced without restrictions Saturday, is expected to start in Green Bay; Greene expected to start in place of Briggs.

Game notes - Adam L. Jahns: Upgraded offensive weapons must pick it up against the Packers; Mel Tucker on Green Bay's running attack; more team and game notes.

Game notes - Dan Wiederer: James Anderson assumes a leadership role; how to beat Packers; payback for Marshall; injury news.

Game preview: WR/TE - Moon Mullin: 'Weapons' were acquired for just this game.

Game preview: DB - Moon Mullin: Secondary facing No.1 passing offense.

Game preview: D-line - Moon Mullin: Worrying about more than No. 12.

Madden - The Tribune with a Madden 25 simulation of Bears vs. Packers.

View from the enemy - Jim Owczarski: For the Packers defenders, it’s about the system Trestman has been running more so than the individuals running it, but they recognize Matt Forte as the multidimensional threat that he is.

Game picks - The ESPN Chicago crew aren't optimistic.

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Jay Ratliff signed

Bears sign former Cowboys Pro Bowl DT Jay Ratliff - Mark Potash: Eager to address an acute need on their injury-riddled D-line, the Bears agreed to terms Saturday with four-time Pro Bowl DT Jay Ratliff on a one-year contract.

With Ratliff, reward outweighs risk - Michael C. Wright: The Bears view Ratliff as a low-risk move and the move to sign him clearly displays the organization’s unwavering commitment to win now.

Bears adding Ratliff sends multiple messages - Moon Mullin: Adding Ratliff suggests that McClellin and Bass are not answers to what the pass rush lost with Wootton at three-technique.

Jay Ratliff worth the gamble - Chris Boden: It's a roll of the dice, but at this point, it's one well worth tossing, considering the Bears' desperation, lack of experienced depth and lack of production along the D-line.

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Bearsss

Conte quickly puts Washington disaster in rearview mirror - David Haugh: Chris Conte contributed to the defense's problems in the loss at Washington, but he steadily has shown enough promise to be considered part of the solution too.

Light touch helps keep football in perspective - Fred Mitchell: Bears try to find the right mixture of having fun and playing with purpose.

Bears won't be wearing their orange jerseys - The Tribune looks at the topic of uniform policy in the NFL and explains why the Bears' much-reviled orange jerseys will not be seen on MNF. Win-Loss record by uniform.

Draft preview - Adam Hoge with five college players to keep an eye on the rest of the season.

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Polish sausage

NFP Sunday Blitz - Len Pasquarelli takes a look at some shaky QB situations, especially those involving former and present Atlanta QBs, and more from around the League.

Know thy enemy: Vikings - NFL.com game report and [Video] highlights of the Vikings' last-minute 23-27 loss to the Cowboys.

More from Windy City Gridiron:

I'm gonna rock me some Blondie (no euphemism intended).

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