The Weekend Bears Den: October 18, 2014 - Chicago Bears vs Miami Dolphins news & previews

Defense might have turned corner against Falcons - Mark Potash: Maybe it was just a convergence of fortuitous circumstances, but change was good for the Bears last week. Suddenly, a team that was considered soft was living up to Mel Tucker’s offseason promise of playing ‘‘salty."

Alshon Jeffery: A Randy Moss without the mess - Patrick Finley: The hunger sometimes goes away with the first taste of fame. But Alshon Jeffery has found more drive, not less, after his breakout season. His 136 receiving yards in Atlanta were his most this year.

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Chicago Bears vs Miami Dolphins news and previews

Briggs, Conte will miss game Sunday - Larry Mayer: Lance Briggs and Chris Conte have both been ruled out of Sunday’s home game against the Dolphins, but it appears that three other Bears starters will return to action.

Injury news - Adam L. Jahns: The banged-up Bears are getting healthier, with players from all phases set to return Sunday against the Dolphins, but Lance Briggs won’t be one of them. Michael C. Wright: Multiple options for replacing Briggs.

Game breakdown - The Tribune's look at matchups, scouting report on LT Branden Albert, game picks, and thoughts going into the game.

Game preview - Mark Potash with a look at how the Bears and Dolphins match up.

Game preview - Jeff Dickerson breaks down the two teams: As long as offense protects football, Bears should beat Dolphins by a touchdown.

Game preview - Larry Mayer and Mini-Larry discuss the Bears players they'll be watching on both sides of the ball in Sunday's home game against the Dolphins.

Game preview - Dan Durkin's five matchups to watch. Can the coverage units contain Dolphins returner Jarvis Landry, who's second-best in the league on kickoffs?

Game preview - Jeff Joniak's keys to Bears-Dolphins. More thoughts heading into Sunday's game.

X&Os - Matt Bowen: Bears can target receivers deep against Dolphins, but first they need to buy Jay Cutler time.

Game notes - Adam L. Jahns: Brock Vereen knows Dolphins will keep him moving in first start; Aaron Kromer breaks down the Miami defense; five players to watch on each team; unsung spotlight on Stephen Paea.

Game notes - Rich Campbell: Jeremiah Ratliff's return bolsters run defense; Bears hope Cutler continue smart, efficient play; injury updates; Brandon Marshall on not being put off game by renowned trash-talker Cortland Finnegan.

10 thoughts - Patrick Finley: Lance Briggs is out and his contract is up, so is Jon Bostic auditioning for 2015 on Sunday? Why wouldn’t anyone kick to the Bears? And more.

Know thy enemy - Brad Biggs with a scouting report on Dolphins DE Cameron Wake.

Know thy enemy - Is-Hub Arkush: Dolphins linebacker play could be key for Bears.

Know thy enemy - ChicagoBears.com with a photo gallery previewing Miami's starters.

[Video] ChicagoBears.com - A roundup of players and coaches speaking throughout the week as the Bears return home to take on the Dolphins at Soldier Field.

[Video] ChicagoBears.com - Larry Mayer joins Chris Bodden[sic] and Dan Jiggetts on Bears Blitz on CSN Chicago.

[Video] ChicagoBears.com: Bears Roundtable week 7, pt.1 - Jeff Joniak, Tom Thayer, Larry Mayer, and special guest Jay Hilgenberg discuss the Bears' win in Atlanta.

[Video] ChicagoBears.com: Bears Roundtable week 7, pt.2 - Joniak, Thayer, Mayer, and Hilgy discuss the team's preparations for Atlanta and the role that LB Darryl Sharpton played in last Sunday's match-up.

[Video] ChicagoBears.com: Bears Roundtable week 7, pt.3 - Jeff, Tom, Larry, and Jay discuss the effectiveness of the Bears' offense.

[Video] ChicagoBears.com: Bears Roundtable week 7, pt.4 - The foursome look ahead to the Bears' next game against the Dolphins.

Game picks - ChicagoBears.com: National and local media outlets make their picks for Sunday's game between the Bears (3-3) and Dolphins (2-3) at Soldier Field.  More from ESPN Chicago ... [Video] NFL Live ... Adam Hoge... Hub-or-not-Hub.com.

Updated 19.45 CT / 01.45 GMT.

Game preview - Dan Durkin: In order to win, the Bears must be able to stop the run to make the Dolphins one-dimensional and put the ball in the hands of Ryan Tannehill.

Game preview - Jeff Mezydlo: The Bears have shown they can win on the road; now, they must do the same at home.

Game preview: QB - Moon Mullin: The Bears are 22-5 when Jay Cutler is interception-free. Can he protect the ball Sunday against Miami?

Cutler's other 'Cav' wants him to reach level he hasn't yet - Chris Boden: QBs coach Matt Cavanaugh's current mission is to help Jay Cutler reach a level he has yet to attain in his eight previous NFL seasons.

Game preview: RB - Moon Mullin: Miami's stout run defense has yet to face a multidimensional back like Matt Forte,

Game preview: WR/TE - Moon Mullin: Miami's veteran secondary are arguably the best coverage group the Bears will have seen so far this season.

Game preview: O-line - Moon Mullin: The Dolphins are among the NFL’s best at using their DBs to buy an extra second for their D-line, particularly in clear passing/third-down situations.

Game preview: D-line - Moon Mullin: An offense averaging 5.0 yards per carry meets a defense allowing only 3.3 yards per carry over the last three games.

Game preview: LB - Moon Mullin: The defense will look to scheme to take Lamar Miller out of the Dolphins' gameplan.

Game preview: DB - Moon Mullin: The Bears are 0-2 at home in part because they have a total of just one takeaway to five giveaways in those two games.

[Video] Know thy enemy - Jim Miller reviews tape of Ryan Tannehill.

[Video] - Jim Miller breaks down Brandon Marshall.

[Video] SportsTalk Live - Is Sunday a must-win game for the Bears?

[Video] SportsTalk Live - Will Bears defense have another big game vs Dolphins?

[Video] CSNChicago - Shea McClellin discusses his return on Bears Huddle.

Sunday: MOAR updates.

Bears seek first home win of season - Larry Mayer: While they’ve won three of four road games, the Bears will look for their first home victory of the season Sunday when they host the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field.

Player Playlist: Alshon Jeffery - ChicagoBears.com: Listen to the same music that your favorite Bears players hear to get pumped up for game day. Before today's game against the Dolphins, take a look at Alshon Jeffery's playlist.

Trio of backup LBs proved their worth vs Falcons - Bob LeGere: The Bears used three new LBs last week because of injuries, and they all played well. With injuries still a concern, all three of the former backups could be called on again this week.

Game notes - Bob LeGere: Dolphins' corners have the skills to compensate for their lack of size; Jay Cutler is tough, but Trestman hopes O-line can keep him clean; Miami pass rush works in tandem with coverage.

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Bearsss

Four Downs - Jeff Dickerson and Jon Greenberg discuss four Bears topics. Is it time to give the young linebackers a chance?

In Marshall trade, Bears already beat Dolphins - David Haugh: Trading for Brandon Marshall was Phil Emery's best move as Bears GM and set up others, while the Dolphins wasted their haul.

Bears on the bubble? They have to laugh - Dan Wiederer: "In the door one week, our[sic] the door the next." What's behind the Bears' ongoing roster churn?

Team notes - Brad Biggs: Bears finding ways to get to QB despite sacks being down more than 21 percent this season; Bears promote Terrence Mitchell from PS. now have seven CBs on 53-man roster.

Bears mailbag - Brad Biggs answers readers' questions.

Bears mailbag - Is-Hub Arkush's readers' Q&As.  Why is Cornelius Washington (17 total snaps on defense in 2 seasons) taking up a space on the roster, and is Rex Ryan a potential fit at DC?

Cutler Watch - How does Jay Cutler stack up against different opponents? Check for yourself in this searchable database.

Ex-Bears staff news - Tampa Bay Buccaneers fire director of player development Isaiah Harris, formerly a member of the Bears' front office under Lovie Smith, on Thursday after he was arrested for driving under the influence.

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Ditka

Photos - To celebrate Mike Ditka's 75th birthday, ChicagoBears.com looks back at the Hall of Famer's legendary career with the Bears.

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

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Polish sausage

Soccer, basketball players aren't the only ones who flop - Cy Brown: Tom Brady is becoming a flopper now, as well. See which other athletes -- outside of soccer and basketball -- have tried to master the art of the dive.

The best of the week 6 cheerleaders - NFL.com ... potential future Mrs Spongie from SI.com ... SportingNews.com.

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I'm the conductor of the poop train!