The Bears Den: August 20, 2014 - Chicago Bears preseason news and notes

McClellin making strides at new position - Brad Biggs: If Shea McClellin can continue to settle into a position he hasn't played since college, the Bears should be able to salvage the 2012 first-round pick.

Trestman, Emery need to watch for missteps from receivers - Brian Hanley: If one or two big egos are allowed to run a figurative out pattern once the games actually count, things could get more interesting than need be.

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Bears preseason

Holmes gaining grasp of offense - Larry Mayer: The assimilation process continued Tuesday for new Bears receiver Santonio Holmes, who impressed teammates and coaches in practice for the second straight day.

[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Can Santonio Holmes be a difference maker? [KAPCON: 4]

[Video] - Adam L. Jahns: Holmes can have success with Bears; what of the TE depth?

Bears still undecided on Holmes - Michael C. Wright: Bears continue to ponder whether to play Santonio Holmes on Friday night at Seattle due to the recent signee's limited exposure to the offense. Moon Mullin: Holmes is rusty, but is he ready?

Morgan wants to keep grip on No. 3 receiver job - Rich Campbell: Josh Morgan is not a flashy player, but his five catches for 77 yards qualify as steady production through two exhibition games. Moon Mullin: Describes himself as 'a workhorse.'

Playing Seahawks will test Bears' offense - Bob LeGere: The offense, which has some kinks to work out and questions to answer, will be tested in Friday night's third preseason game in Seattle's noisy CenturyLink Field.

Why Seahawks are the perfect test for wannabe 'elite' Bears - Moon Mullin: Preseason games can be shakedown tests for established units (Bears offense) and still-forming units (Bears defense, special teams). The Seahawks on Friday night are one of those tests.

Bears will gauge on-field communication in noisy Seattle - Not-Hub Arkush: The loudest stadium in football will provide a good litmus test on how the Bears travel and handle adverse conditions.

Spurlock next up in returner derby - Larry Mayer: After releasing Eric Weems on Saturday, the Bears will continue their search for a return specialist by sending Micheal Spurlock up to the plate to take his swings at the job. Moon Mullin: Williams, Spurlock to compete.

Team notes - Bob LeGere: Mel Tucker on mission to eliminate missed tackles; Brandon Hartson has to show more than just long snapping ability to keep job; McClellin and Bostic improved from first to second game.

Team notes - Adam Hoge with the 10 most important things to know from a busy day at Halas Hall. Mostly roster moves and injury news.

Team notes - Not-Hub Fishbain: Officials' points of emphasis also impacting linemen; roster notes and injury news.

Team notes - Chris Emma: Bears players know Friday isn’t a routine preseason trip; Cutler high on Holmes signing; key decisions still looming.

Injury news - Michael C. Wright: Bears hold out six from Tuesday practice.

Considered a longshot, Lynch still putting up a fight - Not-Hub Arnold: Jordan Lynch is likely bound for a practice squad spot, but will continue to compete and do whatever he can to prove that he can stick.

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Bearsss

Kromer: 'We've noticed difference' in Cutler - Michael C. Wright: Jay Cutler seems to now totally understand the value of making everyone else around him better.

Cutler looks, acts like changed man - Actually-Hub Arkush: The most important single ingredient for the Bears to succeed this year is a new and better Jay Cutler. Whether it's married life, the birth of his second son or he's just a late bloomer, they may just have one.

Bears mailbag - Brad Biggs' readers' Q&As.  Why has the pass protection been good and the run blocking less so?

[Video] Inside the Bears - Tony Medlin has worked in equipment operations for the Bears since 1987. As the team’s head equipment manager, Medlin and his staff’s most important job is to keep the players safe.

[Video] ChicagoBears.com - Alshon Jeffery and the O-line accept the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for ALS.

Ex-Bear news - Will Brinson: Retired linebacker Tim Shaw announced he was diagnosed with ALS Tuesday, right before taking the Ice Bucket Challenge. Brad Biggs: Set a Bears franchise record with 30 STs tackles in 2009.

Photos - On Jermon Bushrod's 30th birthday, ChicagoBears.com takes a look at photos from the LT's 8-year NFL career.

NFL history - Rob Nelson: MNF moments, No. 20: Dennis Green 'They are who we thought they were'.

Sun-Times Bears section here.

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Polish sausage

NFL expands practice squad limit to 10 players - Aaron Wilson: Change is effective immediately for this season. Dan Wiederer: Potentially good news for David Fales, Christian Jones.

Cardinals kicker Jay Feely: Keep the extra point where it is - MMQB readers chip in with suggestions.

Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky: Packers buy in to science of modern NFL ... Starting lineup appears to be set.

Know thy enemy: Packers - Andy Benoit's 2014 preview: If the Pack can earn home-field advantage in the playoffs, meaning they won’t have to play in Seattle, then they’re bound for the Super Bowl.

Know thy enemy: Lions - Michael Rothstein: Six seasons in and the Lions shouldn't see the same movie from Matthew Stafford as they did last season. The early results have indicated a sleeker, sharper version.

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