:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11928301/158686318.0.jpg)
Trestman uses Bears’ first minicamp to introduce them to ‘our football’ - Adam L. Jahns: Voluntary minicamp was clearly a jolt, as the Bears were cleansed of everything Lovie Smith. In many ways, minicamp was a fast-moving introduction to how things will be done moving forward.
Bears coaches impressed with Cutler on, off field - Larry Mayer: After working with Jay Cutler during last week's minicamp, Bears coaches are impressed with how well the veteran has processed a high volume of information.
We’ve heard Jay Cutler, coordinator trade praise before - Rick Morrissey: I think we all know how it turned out. During a game in 2011, Cutler screamed: ‘‘Tell Martz I said %$#@ him!’’ During a game last season, he stomped away from Tice on the sidelines.
Follow WCG on Twitter; like us on Facebook (& click on 'Subscribed to'). Click for Chicago Bears Tickets for next season. Check out David "OSS" Taylor's CheekyMonkeyArt prints and shirts.
----------
Bearsss
Matt Bowen: Scouting the Bears - It was only shorts and helmets, but the Bears appeared to be making good progress under new coach Marc Trestman.
Jermon Bushrod has big fan in Sean Payton - Sean Jensen: Bushrod takes a big-picture approach to his game, working to strengthen his weaknesses and not taking his strengths for granted. He’s conveyed to his fellow linemen what Kromer expects of them.
Brandon Marshall mentors Alshon Jeffery in private workouts - Sean Jensen: When he received an invitation to train with Brandon Marshall in South Florida, Bears second-year receiver Alshon Jeffery automatically accepted.
Zbikowski ready to fight for job with Bears - Bob LeGere: Whether or not Zbikowski cracks the starting lineup, he still can be an asset to the Bears based on his value as a special-teams standout; also provides insurance policy in case of injury.
Gould recovering, welcomes competition - Jeff Dickerson: Bears kicker is thirteen weeks removed from surgery to repair a ruptured semitendinosus tendon in his left leg that sidelined him for the final three games of 2012.
Draft preview - Jeff Dickerson: Former Texas A&M WR Ryan Swope recently made an official pre-draft visit to the Bears, according to a league source. He is projected to go between the second and fourth rounds. Also, former Navy OLB Keegan Wetzelw.
TO wants to make a comeback...with the Bears - David Kaplan: Owens, who says he is in great shape, is looking to make a return to the NFL after not playing in 2012 and he wants to make that return with the Bears.
Bears schedule - Moon Mullin: More on why the Bears will be 10-6 or better, and why Jason Cole is a dilfy sports writer.
Bears schedule - Mark Potash: The Bears will face 12 teams that made the playoffs in at least one of the last two seasons, including the five teams that have combined to win the last six Super Bowls. Welcome back to the NFL, Marc Trestman.
Bears hope history doesn't repeat - Fred Mitchell: If history is any indication, coach Marc Trestman will have a rough inaugural season, as did his last eight predecessors.
----------
Ditka
Four downs with Ditka - Dit-ka! Dit-ka! Dit-ka! Dit-ka!
----------
Looking ahead to the draft
NFCN Blog - Kevin Seifert: What's the ideal first-round scenario for each team? The most ideal but reasonable scenario for the Bears is Georgia middle linebacker Alec Ogletree falling to No. 20 because of off-field issues.
Draft preview: QBs - Michael C. Wright: Under new direction, Cutler should flourish and play perhaps the best football of his Chicago tenure in 2013. Still, the team needs to be thinking about the future at QB.
Draft preview: OL - Sean Jensen: Given the importance of the OL, the Bears will likely look for value in the draft and no round can be ruled out, including the top pick.
Draft preview: OL - Mark Potash: Though the Bears signed free-agent left tackle Jermon Bushrod, they have a lot of work to do to fortify their OL. They are in limbo at every other position.
Draft preview - Russ Lande offers insight into the differences between Lane Johnson and DJ Fluker.
Draft preview: DL - Jeff Dickerson: The Bears always placed an emphasis on speed, not size, in the old defensive system run by ex-coach Lovie Smith, so it will be interesting to see if the philosophy changes with new DC Mel Tucker calling the shots.
Draft preview: MLBs - Dan Pompei: With Brian Urlacher moving on, MLB arguably is the greatest need on the team. The Bears could use a young leader and building block on defense. They are not likely to find another Urlacher, but they need someone who can provide a presence in the middle of the field.
Draft preview: CBs - Dan Pompei: This is a solid group of corners, especially appealing to zone scheme teams. The Bears need an infusion of youth at the position. Even if they don't acquire a player who starts quickly, they need a CB who can contribute down the road.
Draft preview: Safeties - Jeff Dickerson: This doesn’t have the feel of a strong safety class, so the Bears might be better off sticking with what’s currently on the roster.
Draft preview: Kickers - Dan Pompei: With Robbie Gould kicking and Adam Podlesh punting, it doesn't appear the Bears are in the draft market at these positions. However, the Bears likely will look to sign an undrafted kicker and punter to provide training camp relief for them.
Draft preview: Kickers - Jeff Dickerson: The Bears signed kicker Austin Signor on Friday after he participated in the three-day minicamp, but the team usually carries at least two camp legs in training camp. Expect another kicker or punter to be signed following the draft.
----------
Polish sausage
NFP Sunday Blitz - Dan Pompei: Examining character risk; all the latest draft talk and a spin around the league.
Know thy enemy: Lions - Detroit News writers offer their predictions for the 2013 Lions season. Can't be worse than 4-12, right?
Know thy enemy: Packers - Tom Silverstein looks ahead to each game on the Packers' 2013 schedule.
Know thy enemy: Vikings - Ben Goessling: The Vikings will return to the national TV stage in 2013, playing three prime-time games on the heels of a surprising playoff season in 2012.
Let's have some Frank.