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The Bears Den: August 28, 2013 - Preseason news and notes

By Spongie

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Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bears finally loaded at key positions - Mike Mulligan: For the first time in a long time, the Bears have assembled top talent, albeit aging, across the board.

Roster notes - Mark Potash's 10 observations before preseason finale. Adam L. Jahns: Don't expect Bears to cut Hester.

Team Report - Andrew Seligman: The Bears weren't afraid to think outside the box when they hired coach Marc Trestman, as they aim for a higher mark.

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Offense

Bears waive Blanchard to reach 75-man limit - Larry Mayer: Because Blanchard was waived/injured, the Bears cannot sign him to their practice squad or active roster until after Week 10. Whether that ultimately transpires won't be decided for some time. Moon Mullin: Roster situation fluid.

Brandon Marshall not where he wants to be - Larry Mayer: Pro Bowl receiver told reporters Tuesday that he's frustrated with his conditioning following offseason hip surgery and is uncertain about his role in the offense.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Marshall still 'figuring' out his role. [KAPCON: 5] Adam L. Jahns: Notion the Bears are rushing him back is far-fetched.

Should Mills and Kyle play Thursday? - James Neveau: Most starters will be benched, but would the rookies benefit from more playing time?

Alshon Jeffery among NFL’s most improved players - Steve Silverman: Expect Jeffery to catch at least 60 passes if he stays healthy.

[Video] - Ross Tucker on growing pains for Bears' O-line, Kyle Long, how the offense will go, and where the Bears rank in the NFL.

Team notes - Adam Hoge: Marshall feels rushed coming back from offseason hip surgery; mind-boggling that Webb is still struggling with penalties; progress from Cutler.

Cutler at solid starting point with game plan - Doug Padilla: Once O-line is settled, it will go a long way toward determining what offensive package the Bears are able to use, although whatever is decided for the opener won’t necessarily be the plan moving forward.

Will Cutler survive in Chicago? - Greg Gabriel: The Bears QB is entering a crucial season and it is not going to be an easy job to get him to play to his potential.

[Video] Kip Lewis & Moon Mullin - Cutler cutting down mistakes, Trestman's guidance. Adam L. Jahns: Cutler’s comfort level appears to be at all-time high.

Bold predictions for the 2013 season - Michael Silver: Cutler will have a tremendous season and, like Flacco in 2012, set himself up to command a massive new contract after being franchised by his team.

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Bearsss

All on the line in finale for Hardin - Adam Hoge: Hardin is in a tough spot, trying to maintain his aggressive style of play while also trying to avoid another major injury, as he attempts to show he belongs on the roster.

O’ good, but ‘D’ must stand stout - Hub Arkush: With all of the hubbub surrounding the "new" offense, it’s time we reminded ourselves that the 2013 Bears will go as far as their defense takes them.

Team notes - Jeff Joniak: Defense equipped to blitz; thoughts on Jeffery, Marshall and Earl Bennett.

Injury news - Adam Hoge: The Bears got some good news Tuesday when D.J. Williams returned to the practice field and Earl Bennett was seen doing some stretching and light running. Michael C. Wright: Williams' status still uncertain.

Team notes - Patrick Finley: Patrick Mannelly deems himself ready for Week 1, and other Bears news that isn't about Pat Mannelly.

NFL.com: Around the League - A writeup of yesterday's podcast as four writers make their picks for the NFC North. Preview capsules for each team.

Can Marc Trestman be Phil Jackson? - Dave Wischnowsky: Can the cerebral 57-year-old Trestman translate his quirky qualities to the girdiron as well as the cerebral Phil Jackson translated his to the hardcourt during the 1990s?

Urlacher's star will continue to rise - Melissa Isaacson: Brian Urlacher may be retired, but his imprint on the Bears remains and his public profile might even grow larger.

Ex-Bear news - Marc Sessler: Lance Louis cut by Dolphins in unexpected move, a good indication the team wasn't excited about his return from major knee surgery.

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Polish sausage

NFL Health & Safety - (AP) The NFL will keep a close eye on hits to the knees of defenseless players this season, with the possibility of extending the rules protecting such players. Gary Mihoces: Heads Up: Good play or good ploy?

NFP Agent's Journal - Jack Bechta: The conundrum of self promotion - leveraging social media tools to promote oneself can backfire in the long run.

Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky: With RB DuJuan Harris landing on IR, the Packers may have to ride 2nd round rookie Eddie Lacy.

Know thy enemy: Lions - Kevin Seifert with some thoughts on the Lions' RB depth: 2010 UDFA Joique Bell beating out 2011 2nd round draft pick Mikel Leshoure? And that's why GM Martin Mayhew is on the hotseat.

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