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The Bears Den: August 26, 2013 - Preseason news and notes

Oh, hey Nick. How's Oakland treating you? I'm good, got married during the offseason, learning another new offense.

By Spongie

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Bears building strong nucleus for future - Bob LeGere: In their preseason victory over the Raiders Friday night, the Bears got multiple positive contributions from young players who will be counted on when the regular season begins in two weeks.

Bears still a work in progress - Brad Biggs: There will be rough spots in the season, but it looks like the offense is capable of significant progress from a year ago. That kind of improvement was only an idea during the Lovie Smith era.

Larry Mayer's Chalk Talk - Larry discusses whether Cutler changed a run to a pass in Oakland, why Aromashodu was waived, and how many Bears rookies will start on opening day.

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Bears roster news

Roster news - Mark Potash: Bears cut safety Tom Zbikowski, 13 others. Brad Biggs: Bears have a tough decision with Hardin when final cuts are due.

Roster news - Michael C. Wright: Bears among teams making releases in advance of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline as a courtesy for veterans so they can find new work as soon as possible.

Roster notes - Michael C. Wright's three players who likely earned starting jobs by virtue of their performance against the Raiders, and three more whose jobs or roster spots may now be on the line.

Roster notes - Brad Biggs: Frey solidifies spot in secondary, Scott still very much in the mix for a roster spot, rookies Ford and C.J. Wilson continuing to build cases for themselves.

Team notes - Mark Potash: Michael Ford gaining fan base among mates; Forte is Mr Versatility; Bostic improving; Frey getting more comfortable at nickel back.

Youth matters when it’s time to cut Bears’ roster - Hub Arkush: Veterans' ceilings have been reached, while youngsters might still develop a higher ceiling.

Fourth preseason game big for plenty of Bears - Bob LeGere: To the handful of players fighting for their professional lives, Thursday night’s fourth and final preseason game is anything but meaningless. Roster spots are still up for grabs.

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Bearsss

Liberal use of blitz proves effective against Raiders - Mark Potash: Most indications are the Bears will try to be a little more inventive than they were in former coach Lovie Smith’s version of the cover-2.

Some thoughts on Cutler’s night in Oakland - Moon Mullin: Some of what was happening has the potential to be franchise- and career-altering.

Game notes - Larry Mayer: Ball-hawking defense picking up where it left off; Forte appreciates receivers' blocking; rookies impress.

Game grades - Moon Mullin: Offense cleans up some things, messes up others; D meets expectations. PFF: Three performances of note.

Cutler among QBs facing most pressure - Steve Silverman: He must produce and the Bears must win. It would not make sense for Emery to go any further down the road with Cutler unless he can help the Bears climb in 2014 and beyond.

[Video] CSNChicago - Dan Jiggetts on the offense developing under Trestman, the readiness of rookies to start, who's likely to start opposite Peppers, and whether Quenneville or Ditka has a better m(o)ustach(e).

NFCN Blog - Kevin Seifert: Henry Melton one of two NFC North players ranked between 51-60 in ESPN's #NFLRank project.

Marc Trestman's book isn't a tell all - David Haugh: But "Perseverance" certainly reveals a lot about the nature of the man leading the Bears.

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Polish sausage

NFP Sunday Blitz - Len Pasquarelli: The Falcons still have a glaring hole that has yet to be successfully filled; more from around the NFL.

Take a deep breath, big boys - Adam Goldberg: It may be hard to believe, but a fast-paced attack could be an NFL O-lineman’s best friend.

Know thy enemy: Packers - Sloppy Seahawks overcome penalties, Packers 17-10. PFF: Three performances of note.

Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky with observations from the game. Which players helped and which hurt themselves?

Know thy enemy: Lions - Lions harass Tom Brady, dominate Patriots in 40-9 win. PFF: Three performances of note.

Know thy enemy: Lions - Kevin Seifert: Eight personal fouls in three preseason games have cost the Lions 97 yards in field position, part of a larger comment on a team's ability to play smart, to focus on its assignments and to avoid mistakes.

Know thy enemy: Lions - Robert Klemko: Ziggy Ansah, Jason Jones give Lions hope for better pass rush, playoffs. Kevin Seifert: WR position still seems in flux.

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