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The Bears Den: August 14, 2013 - Preseason news and notes

By Spongie

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Grant Halverson

Bears offense continuing to make steady progress - Larry Mayer: There have been ups and downs during three weeks of training camp, but Jay Cutler and the offense are pointed in the right direction.

Jay Cutler can finally be great after Bears' run of inconsistent offensive schemes - Les Carpenter: The Bears are pushing another new offensive system at Jay Cutler, one that's fast-paced and puts control in his hands. And finally he might have a legitimate chance to succeed in Chicago.

Bears break camp presenting united front - Brad Biggs: As they pack up to continue preseason practices at Halas Hall, much of the haze has cleared over the new regime, but fundamental questions remain.

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O-line news

Webb fighting to keep a place on O-line - Adam L. Jahns: Starting to sound — and look — as if Webb is in competition not for a starting spot but a roster spot. Brad Biggs: Rookies cloud Webb's future.

Webb's demotion may be permanent - Michael C. Wright: The Bears claim the recent demotion of J'Marcus Webb was simply a planned move to get him more repetitions on the second team at LT, but signs point to the switch becoming permanent. Moon Mullin: Coaches are being brutally direct with Webb.

[Video] Waddle & Silvy - Tom Waddle and Marc Silverman (briefly) discuss whether J'Marcus Webb should be the starting RT.

As O-line goes, so goes Bears offense - Bob LeGere: New offense would benefit from consistency on the line. But with linemen still being moved in and out of the starting lineup, that may not happen for a while. Moon Mullin: Cutler OK with rookie O-linemen but situation still fluid.

Notes from camp - Michael C. Wright & Jeff Dickerson: Scott on verge of return after knee drained; other injury news; observations from camp. Brad Biggs: Scott's return could boost Bears' line.

Bears position preview - Steve Silverman: At this point, the Bears’ O-line ranks among the bottom half in the league. They should be much better as the season progresses, but they don’t compare with the best offensive lines in the league.

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Training camp

Notes from (Monday's) camp - Dan Durkin's notes from Monday practice. You snooze, you lose, Durkin.

Notes from camp - Adam Hoge: Starters are expected to play more on Thursday, including Marshall and Peppers, who sat out the first game; injury update; final notes from camp.

Game preview - Moon Mullin: The Bears and Cutler changed multiple plays last Friday against Carolina, and this week the offense will be doing more planning and hopefully getting out of plays that have a negative result.

Notes from camp - Bob LeGere: Kyle Moore fighting for fourth DE spot; injury news.

Notes from camp - Brad Biggs: Webb in fight for a roster spot; injury updates; final notes from camp.

[Video] Kip Lewis & Moon Mullin - Moon, Lewis on Bears wrapping up training camp in Bourbonnais.

Rookie watch - Adam Hoge: Two years after Phil Emery was brought here to improve the Bears’ performance in the draft, the Bears could have somewhere between nine and 14 first- or second-year players on the 53-man roster.

What would Bears camp be without a litle bit of rookie hazing? - Kalyn Kahler: Don’t even think about riding the elevator. Get your wallet ready for spontaneous snack runs. Embrace your embarrassing nickname. Watch out for exotic insects in your bed.

[Video] of the final day of practice, plus Wootton helmet cam and a gallery of the best photos from camp, from ChicagoBears.com; Tribune photos.

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Bearsss

Team Report - Gene Chamberlain: The Bears completed Bourbonnais training camp practices Tuesday looking much the same way as last year, juggling their O-line and without their starting MLB.

Team Report - Doug Farrar: Major change has come to the Bears, one of the more stable franchises of the last decade. No matter what, things will be different. But will they be better over time?

Game preview - Jeff Dickerson: Trestman wants to see the offense score points on Thursday against the Chargers, while Cutler is hopeful the Bears will get in some game-planning. Fred Mitchell: Offense remains a work in progress.

Bears preview- Hub Arkush: The Bears’ goal for Game 2 of the preseason is improving in as many areas as possible, with the O-line topping their list of priorities.

Jay Cutler is nothing special - Rick Telander does his best Rosenbloom impersonation.

For Hester, returning is better than receiving - Mark Potash: Fresher, healthier and more fully engaged, Hester is happy doing what he does best and may also contribute in other ways on special teams.

[Video] Marc[sic] Levy talks training camp, what he makes of reports about players not liking the new offensive system, O-lineman development, and his optimism regarding the hiring of Marc Trestman.

Why Your Team Sucks - DeadSpin's satirical look at the 2013 Bears.

Power Rankings - Elliot Harrison updates his preseason Power Rankings.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - The panel discuss Urlacher's pick of the Bears to finish 3rd in NFC North. [KAPCON: 5]

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Polish sausage

NFP Agent's Journal - Jack Bechta: What's with all the injuries? Elimination of 2 a day practices may not have decreased injuries as hoped.

Know thy enemy: Vikings - Tom Pelissero: First-round pick WR Cordarrelle Patterson is off to a 'flashy' start.

Know thy enemy: Vikings - Richard Meryhew: The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority has put the Vikings' stadium deal on hold while it conducts due diligence into Wilf family finances after the team's owners were found guilty in a civil case in New Jersey. [Rence starts drinking.]

Know thy enemy: Vikings - Sam Monson: Vikings could solve several problems by moving Kevin Williams to NT. Judd Zulgad: Joe Webb's versatility at QB could make him a keeper. [Rence starts drinking faster.]

Know thy enemy: Packers - Bob McGinn's roster analysis. Rob Demovsky: Breaking down Packers' 2013 draft class.

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