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Larry Mayer's Chalk Talk - Larry discusses whether Lance Briggs will be able to play against the Packers, how close the Bears came to making a trade before the deadline, and players in the 1,000-yard rushing and receiving club.
For Bears offense, it's mission unaccomplished - Dan Wiederer: Bears' offense facing startling flaws, looking for answers during off week.
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Bearsss
Trestman seeks improvement - Mini-Larry: Despite the team's 3-5 record at the bye week, Marc Trestman is confident that a turn-around is possible in the second half of the season.
Change in offensive mindset? - Moon Mullin: Reading between the lines from Monday's press conference, it's possible there could be a major change in the team's offensive mindset.
[Video] ESPN - Michael C. Wright discusses the effects of the Bears losing four of their last five games. The bye week isn't a vacation for the organization.
Cutler productive, but he can improve - Larry Mayer: The Bears remain totally committed to Jay Cutler, but concede that there are aspects of his game he must improve during the second half of the season.
Michael Irvin admits 'Cutler for MVP' hype was misguided - Dan Wiederer: When Cutler struggles and the team loses, analysts quickly veer toward the low-hanging fruit on the critisicm tree, calling the QB out for trusting his arm too much and for lacking the proper demeanor as a leader.
Hey, Bears: Grass isn’t always greener than turf - Mark Potash: The argument isn’t that an artificial surface will turn a bad team into a good one; the argument is that it will enhance a good offense. It makes competitive sense that the Bears play to their strength.
Game review - Adam Hoge takes a look at how Rob Gronkowski was able to beat the Bears' coverage, lists his top- and bottom-graded Bears of the game, and offers some more observations from Sunday.
Bears mailbag - Q: Any chance of Bears cutting Jay Cutler? Brad Biggs: /facepalm.
[Video] ChicagoBears.com - Larry Mayer and Tom Thayer preview the second half of the Bears 2014 season and what corrections the Bears will look to make during the break.
[Video] ChicagoBears.com - Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey joins Dan Jiggets and Chris Bodden[sic; why, ChicagoBears.com, why you continue to refuse to spell his name correctly?] in studio on Bears Huddle.
George McCaskey keeps trust in Emery, Trestman - Chris Boden: Despite his team's struggles, one thing that hasn't been lost is the chairman's sense of humor: "I got a letter just yesterday that said, 'If Papa Bear were still here, he'd clean house, and he'd start with you.' But the letter was unsigned, so I'm not sure which family member sent it."
[Video] SportsTalk Live - Weighing in on McCaskey's remarks. Warning: Jason Goch sighting. [KAPCON: 4]
NFL midseason report cards - Nate Davis gives the Bears a D+: Though Jay Cutler deserves heaping helping of blame, defense is an embarrassment for second consecutive year.
The NFC at the halfway point - Greg Gabriel: There is a disconnect right now between the Bears' players and the coaching staff. Everyone has to figure out how to get back on the same page. If that doesn’t happen starting with the Green Bay game, this season will be lost.
Midseason rookie check-in - Nate Davis assesses how every NFL team’s 2014 class is faring
One reason to hope, one reason to worry for each NFL team - Steven Ruiz: The Bears' offense can't remain in a funk forever, but Cutler needs to clean up his mistakes and the defense has showed no signs of improvement.
Midseason starting QB rankings - Gregg Rosenthal ranks the best starting signal-callers at the midway point of the season. Hey, at least Cutler hasn't slumped as far as Matt Stafford.
Photos - Brett Smiley: Roberto Garza goes hunting with his family on the bye week, pose with slain deer.
Check WCGer Sackman's selection of Bears-themed tops here, or some t-shirt designs here.
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Polish sausage
Ex-Bear news - Larry Mayer: Former Bears punter Adam Podlesh had to put his NFL career on hold this summer to take care of his wife and newborn son, both of whom nearly died during childbirth.
Know thy enemy: Lions - Dave Dye: If nothing else, Jim Caldwell brought some much-needed good karma to an organization that many believe has been cursed for decades.
Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky: The Packers have been very good at forcing turnovers, but when they can't their defense has proven to be suspect.
Know thy enemy: Vikings - Ben Goessling: Vikings' defense climbing the rankings thanks to a solid core of young talent ... defensive film review ... Anthony Barr named NFC DPotW.
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This is how the Scots do it.