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The Weekend Bears Den: July 27, 2013 - Training Camp news and notes

Nearly everybody wanted ice cream.

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Briggs adjusting to new role as defensive play-caller - Larry Mayer: While there may be some bumps in the road early in training camp, the Bears expect the seven-time Pro Bowler to make a smooth transition in that role. Moon Mullin: Robin taking over for Batman.

Why so much drama already? - Adam Hoge: Down the road — and maybe it has started already — the defensive players who have not bought in to the new coaches could lead to a schism between the offense and defense.

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Notes and observations from practice

Bears first practice was sharp and speedy - Mark Potash: Trestman is here because he has a history of maximizing the output of players and a team.

Cutler Watch - Mark Potash: It’s way too early to judge, but Cutler appears as focused as he has been in five seasons with the Bears, being particularly impressive in drills and apparently getting the hang of the fundamentals instilled by the coaching staff.


WCG Bears Training Camp open thread

Notes from camp - Adam Hoge: On the field, it was obvious even in Friday’s unpadded practice that Cutler is going to target Martellus Bennett a lot.

Adam Hoge: Trestman is a very hands on coach, especially with the offense; more observations from Friday.

Jeff Dickerson: Martellus Bennett targets chemistry with Cutler; observations from practice.

Bob LeGere: Briggs tackles new responsibilities; Kyle Long playing catch-up; mixed bag on first day.

Bob LeGere: Hester out to prove his worth; change in practice times all part of Trestman's plan.

Notes from camp - Moon Mullin: Bears getting a new play out every 16 seconds in uptempo practice; more observations from day 1. [Video]

[Video] View from the Moon - Day 1 at training camp.

Jeff Dickerson: Kyle Long gets reps with starting unit.

Michael C. Wright: Henry Melton Melton (ill) misses part of practice but expects to participate fully Saturday.

McClellin drops weight, 'feeling good' - Jeff Dickerson: Shea McClellin looked noticeably leaner on Thursday compared to the early in the offseason when he admitted to gaining five to seven pounds at the team’s request.

Notes from camp - Brad Biggs: Kyle Long will be in the thick of competition all training camp; Trestman's offense zipping along; more observations from practice.


WCG Bears Training Camp: first practice recap

[Video] Bears training camp - ChicagoBears.com's day 1 highlights.

[Video] Bears training camp - Dionne Miller's back! With a fluff piece, no less.

Photos - Images of Bears training camp Friday, July 26, 2013, at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais. Photos from the Tribune; galleries from ChicagoBears.com.

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MOAR Bearsss

Team report - A roundup of where the team are at (Bourbonnais, duh) at the start of training camp.

'No one is safe,' says Charles Tillman - Brad Biggs: Tillman played alongside Urlacher for 10 seasons so when the MLB departed this spring, it reinforced a business reality veterans pick up along the way in the NFL. Michael C. Wright: Tillman focused on season, not contract.


Sam Householder: Emery smart not to extend players

Tillman, Briggs stand behind Trestman - Bob LeGere: For the Bears' defense to continue its excellent play, veterans who were loyal to former coach Lovie Smith must buy into Trestman and Mel Tucker. Both Tillman and Briggs appear to be on board. Brad Biggs: Veterans leading transition.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - What to expect from the Bears this season?

'Old school' Bennett not a fantasy tight end - Scott Krinch: Martellus Bennett prides himself on being a complete player, not a fantasy football TE; is getting used to the city and the team.


Lester A. Wiltfong Jr.: Bears 2013 position battles: Tight End
BeardownsoHard: A further look at Martellus Bennett: Fringe of Elite

Position battle - Kevin Seifert takes a look at a key positional battle for each NFC North team: "The WR position isn't as settled as you might think in Chicago."

Position battle - Moon Mullin: McClellin vs. Wootton: The position 'battle' that isn’t, as the Bears are likely to have them both on the field at some of the same times.

Player profile - Dan Durkin: Jordan Mills won’t be a starter in 2013, but he adds quality, young depth to a group that desperately needs it.


Steven Schweickert: What's the plan for Jordan Mills?