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Forte looking to build off 2013 - Michael C. Wright: There is a sense that as well as the offense performed last season, it still hasn't reached its full potential.
X&Os - Dan Durkin breaks down the success the Bears' offense had with the "switched vertical".
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Bearsss
Bears' offense enjoying continuity for 2014 - Arthur Arkush: Phil Emery has so radically reshaped the defense that it can be easy to gloss over his diligence in keeping the offensive core intact.
Team report - Dan Wiederer: Matt Forte and the offense are looking to take a leap forward, while Tim Jennings is confident in his ability to make the transition to slot corner.
Team report - Adam Hoge takes a look at the new wrinkles on the Bears' defense and answers reader mail.
Bears mailbag - Brad Biggs on who will be this year's Kyle Long, the nickel position, and how often Willie Young will be rotated in.
Bears have chips on the shoulder from 2013 failures - Moon Mullin: The Bears were within a single play of the 2013 playoffs, not once, but three times. Far more than just Conte failed to make plays when it mattered most.
Bushrod: Cutler a talented player, better person - For all the statistics Cutler amassed Bushrod, who signed as a free agent from New Orleans last year, said Jay Cutler the person, not the player, has impressed him the most. [With Video.]
Ka'Deem Carey, Tre Mason expect major roles in 2014 - Marc Sessler: Ka'Deem Carey and Tre Mason are looking to make immediate impacts for the Bears and Rams, respectively.
Bears tried to sign Packers' Neal in free agency - Brad Biggs: The Bears made Mike Neal a contract offer early in free agency before he ultimately chose to sign back with Green Bay.
Each NFC team's most underrated player - Brent Sobleski: In 2013, the Bears revamped their O-line. Matt Slauson was signed as a free agent and became the team’s best blocker. AFC teams.
[Video] ESPN - Brandon Marshall reaches 22 mph on a treadmill during a training session.
Could Cowboys reach out to Urlacher? - James Neveau: After losing Sean Lee, could the Cowboys look to lure Brian Urlacher out of retirement? Some media personalities think it's a good possibility.
Sun-Times Bears section here.
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Polish sausage
X&Os - Matt Bowen's NFL 101: Breaking down the basics of the read-option.
Jack Bechta: The Agent's Journal - Four reasons why rookie deals are getting done at lightning speed.
Know thy enemy: Vikings - Ben Goessling: Not much reason to fret about Ponder; nothing the Vikings have done would suggest a plan other than having Cassel start until Bridgewater is ready.
Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky: Packers plan to develop players who can play multiple positions in different defensive looks in order to better combat injury issues that could arise during the season.
Will NFL players take a stand on the Redskins nickname? - Patrick Hruby: Failing to speak out against Washington's nickname doesn't make players and their union leaders a bunch of bigots. But it does make them selfish. If basketball players can do the right thing, then why are football players so hesitant?
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