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Larry Mayer's Chalk Talk - Larry discusses whether a tie would have been as good as a win in Minnesota, Alshon Jeffery's team record for receiving yards, and if the Vikings committed a penalty that wasn't called on their successful fourth-and-11 conversion.
Secret weapon holds key to Bears' playoff chances - Bob LeGere: The Lions are capable of handing the NFC North title to the Bears, but it's debatable whether Trestman's team is good enough to accept the gift.
Bears should draft to strengthen O-, D-lines - Hub Arkush: As badly as it needs help at safety and LB, this team isn’t getting better until it’s fixed up front.
Follow WCG on Twitter; like us on Facebook (& click on 'Subscribed to'). This space for rent. Check out David "OSS" Taylor's CheekyMonkeyArt prints and t-shirts. Den pic in hi-res.
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Cutler
Emery has more options than just "franchise tag" for Cutler - Jim Miller: The franchise tag, or better yet, the transition tag are tools on the table the Bears can utilize if needed this offseason.
Would Cutler be willing to bet on himself? - Moon Mullin: If Cutler is all in for the kind of bet Flacco made on himself, the Bears will be in position to do a multi-year deal with individual and "team" incentives.
[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Debating Cutler's future with Bears. [KAPCON: 5] ... [Video] - Should Cutler play this Sunday if the Bears have already decided to re-sign him? [KAPCON: 4]
[Video] - Shaun King: Bears can move on without Cutler. [It's not that easy simply to draft a replacement; Chris Burke and Doug Farrar look at eight seven (plus Brandon Weeden) young QBs with question marks over their futures.]
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Bearsss
Are Peppers’ days with the Bears numbered? - Adam L. Jahns: Julius Peppers’ contract isn’t up after this season, but whether the eight-time Pro Bowl selection remains with the Bears next season is a legitimate question.
X&Os - Ben Muth with a look at how the Bears' O-line has improved since last season. [Tip o' the cap to JW_Redmon]
Bears special teams no longer among elite - Mike Mulligan: While Lovie Smith seemed to value special teams more than he did offense, one NFL executive says Bears used to win because of ST play and now lose because of it.
[Video] ChicagoBears.com - Devin Hester sits down with Jeff Joniak to discuss the NFL record he is chasing.
Team notes - Larry Mayer: Bears concentrating only on what they can control; odd season of missed opportunities; Peppers' best game under Emery; short yardage woes.
[Video] ESPN - Michael C. Wright discusses the need to stay motivated despite the Bears’ playoff chances taking a big hit.
[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Will Trestman's call affect the Bears' locker room? [KAPCON: 5]
X&Os - Doug Farrar: Teams are turning primary receivers into slot machines ... Lester A. Wiltfong, Jr.: Why the Bears do not have a designated "Slot" receiver.
[Video] X&Os - Tom Thayer breaks down three plays from the Bears-Vikings game and explains where the defense lines up is dictated from where the QB lines up.
[Video] - Work out like Kyle Long! [Tip o' the hat to David Taylor]
Martellus Bennett is the world's most interesting Unicorn - Ben Reiter: Bennett has quickly become revered in the Bears' locker room. There are two reasons for this. One is that he is very entertaining; the other is that he is exceedingly tough.
Bears doing good things - Patrick Finley: Bears get hands-on with debris removal in Washington, Ill. after tornado ... Gould is driving force behind visit ....[Video] ... photo [thanks to 75bearsfan].
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Polish sausage
Stock Watch - Will Brinson: Taking a look at which coaches' seats are warm and whose has cooled around the NFL.
Buyer Beware - Don Banks: As Mike Wallace and his homecoming to Pittsburgh this weekend reminds us, roster building is rarely at its best when the big-name component leads the way.
NFL Health & Safety - Jenny Vrentas: We all took notice when a spate of big-name players went down in the preseason, a trend that has seemingly continued into the regular season. But are major injuries up, or is it all in our heads?
Know thy enemy: Lions - Michael Rothstein: Lions are NFL's best in goal-line scenarios.
Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky: Logic says Aaron Rodgers won't play this week ... Flynn must get defenses to respect his arm.
Know thy enemy: Vikings - Ben Goessling: Leslie Frazier admits Erin Henderson wasn't Plan A at MLB.
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