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The Weekend Bears Den: September 28, 2013 - Week 4 news and notes

"If you haven't been watching for the Bears Den at all, especially the always-loaded Weekend Edition, what is wrong with you?" - Steven Schweickert

By Spongie

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Gregory Shamus

Larry Mayer's Chalk Talk - Larry discusses the last time both Bears' starting safeties had an INT in the same game, if the Bears have ever scored more than 95 points in their first three contests, and if Robbie Gould ever missed a PAT before last Sunday.

Paea ready to pick up the slack on D-line - Adam L. Jahns: Stephen Paea has been the Bears’ best D-lineman through three games. Moving him into Melton’s three-technique spot might be the best option and might turn into more production.

Bears staff, players have kept distractions to minimum - Mark Potash: The Bears’ noticeable uptick in focus and discipline, that has kept them out of deep holes and allowed them to be productive at the most critical junctures of games, is particularly appreciated by ex-Jets guard Matt Slauson.

Follow WCG on Twitter; like us on Facebook (& click on 'Subscribed to'). Walla! Click for Chicago Bears Tickets. Check out David "OSS" Taylor's CheekyMonkeyArt prints and t-shirts. Hi-res version of today's pic.

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Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions news & previews

Game preview - Jeff Joniak breaks down what the Bears have to do to beat the Lions.

Game preview - James Neveau: With a variety of offensive weapons, the Lions are a tough team to keep in check, and the Bears will have to figure out a way to do just that if they want a big road win Sunday. How the Bears will keep Suh in check.

[Video] Game preview - Jeff Dickerson, Michael C. Wright and Tom Waddle discuss the Bears' Week 4 matchup against the Lions.

Game preview - Mark Potash looks at how the teams match up: The Bears will be challenged to run against a Lions defense that has allowed 78 rushing yards per game and 3.4 yards per carry after AP’s 78-yard TD on the first play from scrimmage of the season.

Game preview - Key matchups, points to consider, and the Tribune crew make their picks.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Are Bears as good as record says? Plus, Adam L. Jahns' keys to the game. [KAPCON: 5]

Are Bears NFL’s best protectors? Almost. - Moon Mullin: More attention has been paid to the heavyweight matchup between Long and Suh, but the effectiveness of Cutler and Forte depend on a decisive winning edge against supposedly elite talent.

Game preview - Moon Mullin: Key to Jay Cutler’s head is in his feet. Bears just need 'average' game from Forte.

Bears O yet to prove it can 'win on our own' - Moon Mullin: Detroit ranks sixth in scoring, so chances are reasonably good that the Bears’ still-forming offense will be called on to do more than care-take.

Game preview - PFF: Three Things to Focus On. Despite the pick 6, is Major Wright playing his way to the bench?

[Video] Game preview - Matt Millen breaks down why the Bears' rookie offensive linemen are keys to the team's continued success this season.

Trestman, Peppers agree: No such thing as 'rivalry' in NFL - Moon Mullin: "The most important game is the next game."

[Audio] Game preview - Brian Billick on his expectations for Bears-Lions, and more from around the NFL.

Game notes - Larry Mayer: Bears hopeful Tillman will play against Lions; roster moves and the DT rotation.

Game notes - Adam Hoge: Final decision on Tillman's status to be made Sunday morning; Trestman playing down rivalry; Long braces for Suh; injury and roster notes.

Game notes - Bob LeGere: Bears aim to rev up run game against the Lions' "Wide-9" scheme; injury report; more notes.

Game notes - Mark Potash: Tillman questionable for matchup with Johnson; more injury and roster news.

Game notes - Dan Wiederer: Level-headed Cutler impresses Trestman; keeping poise in the noise; more game notes.

Game notes - Adam L. Jahns: With better protection, Cutler has displayed better mechanics; Trestman breaks down Stafford; Maneri the unsung hero; more team notes.

Know thy enemy - Dan Wiederer: The 3-1 [Whut? - Den] Lions are loaded with playmakers, including Stafford, Suh and Johnson, a trio that could give the Bears headaches on Sunday.

[Video] Know thy enemy - Brian Baldinger highlights two receiving threats the Lions are likely to lean on, particularly in the red zone.

Calvin Johnson: It's easy to dislike the Bears - Paul Roumeliotis: Since Johnson's arrival in 2007, the Bears have earned a 9-3 record against the Lions and have held Johnson to an average of 72.8 receiving yards against them.

Game picks - The CBSChicago crew think it'll be close, as does Elliot Harrison. The ESPNChicago crew are split down the middle, but the Bears are getting more love from the national ESPN pundits, and the NFL Live crew explain why the Bears will win in this [Video].

Updates Sunday 07:45 CT / 13:45 GMT

Game notes - Larry Mayer: Reggie Bush presents challenge for Bears defense; Stafford has 99 passer rating for the year; Long impressing Cutler.

Beating divisional opponents on the road vital - Steve Silverman: It’s not quite as clear-cut as Marc Trestman made it out to be in his analysis of the “rivalry” his team has with the Lions.

Bears' defense upholding its ballhawking tradition - Rich Campbell: Forcing turnovers is at the center of a ballhawking, playmaking culture that Lovie Smith established and continues under Marc Trestman and Mel Tucker

Bears look to buck trend, turn Lions over - Moon Mullin: The last time the Bears had a defensive touchdown against a team with a winning record was against playoff-bound Detroit in 2011.

Paea could bring power to 'three-technique' - Moon Mullin: The Bears traded up in the second round of the 2011 draft to grab Paea. As one member of the previous staff said, you do not trade up for nose tackles in the Lovie Smith scheme.

Nothing false about O-line's improvement - Brad Biggs: Lack of pre-snap penalties, Cutler's increasing confidence good signs for jelling unit.

Bears rookie proving to be a quick study - Bob LeGere: Kyle Long's improvement continues to be ahead of the curve, according to Trestman, but today he'll deal with a formidable foe in Suh.

Matt Bowen: Scouting the Bears - With a matchup versus Calvin Johnson, the Bears defense can play some Cover-2 to limit the deep ball in Detroit.

Bears must stay in front of explosive Bush - Bob LeGere: Aaron Kromer coached Reggie Bush for three years with the Saints, and he knows how dangerous he can be. Brad Biggs' scouting report. Moon Mullin: Defending Reggie Bush.

Three Bears - Dan Wiederer with three Bears to watch in today's game.

Game preview - Jeff Dickerson breaks down how the two teams match up and makes his prediction.

If Calvin Johnson goes off, can Bears stop rest? - Moon Mullin: A strategic philosophical decision is whether to concede Johnson his near-inevitable big plays and concentrate on shutting everyone else down.

Game preview - Michael C. Wright with a look at five things to watch during today's game.

View from the enemy - Michael Rothstein: Four keys for Detroit against Chicago.

Madden - Rich Mayor with a match report: EA Sports' Madden 25 simulation of Bears vs Lions.

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Bearsss

Roster news - Michael C. Wright: Bears sign Landon Cohen, place Henry Melton on IR.

Collins eager to display his ‘quicks’ as replacement for Melton - Patrick Finley: When he makes his first career start Sunday, Nate Collins will become the second-lightest and second-shortest starting DT in the NFC North. “I try to use it to my advantage, use my quicks,” Collins said.

Bears’ unusual punt formation gives opponents something to study - Patrick Finley: Joe DeCamillis has his unit [giggity] running an offset punt, meaning the line has three blockers to one side of the snapper and one to the other.

McCown stays sharp in case number is called - Fred Mitchell: McCown knows the role of the NFL backup, has to be ready if Cutler goes down

Which free-agent additions are paying off so far? - Chris Burke: DJ Williams, James Anderson and Martellus Bennett having impact for Bears.

Bears mailbag - Jeff Dickerson answers questions on all things Bears. Will Emery extend any players this year?

[Audio] Marc Trestman/Willy Wonka parody song - A Bears-themed parody of "Pure Imagination," from the movie "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."

Check WCGer Sackman's selection of Bears-themed tops here, or some t-shirt designs here.

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Ditka

Four downs with Ditka - Da Coach on Cutler's improvement, facing Suh, Peyton Manning's fast start to the season, and the 49ers.

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Polish sausage

Know thy enemy: Vikings - Scott Brown & Ben Goessling break down how the Steelers and Vikings match up. Matt Cassel's moment arrives.

Know thy enemy: Vikings - Gregg Rosenthal with seven things to watch for in London. PFF: Three Things to Focus on.

NFL.com cheerleaders gallery - The best of week 3.

More from Windy City Gridiron:

All you other Slim Shadies are just imitatin'.

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