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Larry Mayer's Chalk Talk - Larry Mayer discusses the competition for the starting free safety position, where the Bears defense will improve, and if Jon Bostic will take the next step in his second season.
Roster news - Michael C. Wright: The Bears claimed OT Michael Ola off waivers from the Dolphins on Wednesday, and released CB Derrick Martin with a non-football injury designation.
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Bearsss
Jennings brings playmaking element to nickel - Michael C. Wright: Phil Emery pointed out Tim Jennings' enthusiasm and attitude as reasons for the club's desire to bring back him long term.
Palmer fighting to be Bears' No. 2 while helping teammates - Kevin Fishbain: Jordan Palmer knows that he benefits from making sure his teammates are all on the same page with Marc Trestman’s offense.
Conte: It’s about taking responsibility and moving on - Chris Conte was much maligned for a blown defensive assignment in the Bears’ season finale and understands that, when he returns from shoulder surgery, the spotlight will be on him.
Let’s be fair to Bears, Jordan Lynch - Tim Baffoe: Bears fans’ restraint on letting loose the Lynch love into a cocktail that already includes a sad loathing of Jay Cutler and a fascination with gimmicky football like the Wildcat formation can only last so long.
[Video] ESPN - Michael C. Wright discusses the new perspective of Brandon Marshall. Dan Pompei: Marshall helped Martellus Bennett deal with frustration and stay focused when the TE wasn't seeing a lot of passes thrown his way last season.
Forecasts for last year's 8-8 teams - Gil Brandt: With a better defense supporting their explosive offense, the Bears should make a sizable leap in 2014. [More from Lester here.]
Around the NFC North - Moon Mullin: Vegas lines are generally set with the intention of getting betting money evenly on both sides of the wager tipping point, but 83 percent of the betting has been on the "over" for the Bears' projected 8 wins.
Stats & Info - Will Brinson takes a look at point differentials in each division for the past three five-year blocks.
Sun-Times Bears section here.
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Polish sausage
A new approach to training camp - Jerry Angelo: Having only the bottom 50 to 60 players practice and play in the first preseason game would enable teams better to evaluate and practice the mid-to-bottom portion of the roster.
A history of the NFL in 95 objects - Greg A. Bedard: Bill Walsh's 49ers coaching tapes.
Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky: Jermichael Finley is scheduled to meet with the Packers' team doctors on Wednesday, but it is not an indication that he is on the verge of receiving medical clearance or signing a new contract.
Know thy enemy: Lions - Michael Rothstein: Even with a new staff and an emphasis on catching the ball, the Lions' receivers are struggling to catch passes.
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