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Exhibition opener showtime for revamped Defense - Dan Wiederer: Over the last five months, the Bears have unveiled the blueprint and gathered the materials for their defensive rebuilding project. Tonight we should see a simple framework of what they're constructing.
Trestman’s words need wins - Dan Bernstein: There are some who can’t wait to lap up the gooey story of Cutler's rebirth under new mystical guidance, but the rest of us understand what it means to finally have satisfactory pass-blocking and a pair of All-Pro WRs built like NBA small forwards.
Follow WCG on Twitter; like us on Facebook (& click on 'Subscribed to'). Walla! Check out David "OSS" Taylor's CheekyMonkeyArt prints and t-shirts. Den pic in hi-res.
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Bears-Eagles preseason preview
Five Bears to watch in preseason opener - Not-Hub Fishbain: Tonight will be a highly anticipated debut for some of the veteran newcomers and rookies, and holds plenty of intrigue for returning players looking to secure roster spots.
10 Bears worth watching in first preseason game - Mark Potash: After two weeks of training-camp practices, this is where Bears coaches often get the first real indication of who can play.
Five storylines to watch in Bears-Eagles - Dan Durkin: Teams must trim their rosters to 75 on Aug. 26, so NFL hopefuls must maximize every opportunity they’re presented.
4 things to watch in Bears 1st exhibition - Dan Wiederer: Will any underdogs step up for Bears?
[Video] - Moon Mullin and Chris Boden: Storylines as Bears gear up for dress rehearsal against Eagles.
Game preview - Andrew Seligman: Preseason opener could give clues about Bears 'D', though the long-anticipated debut of Jared Allen might be pushed back a week.
For some Bears, it's time to impress coaches - Bob LeGere: The offensive starters are set, but players battling for backup positions will have their best opportunities yet to impress coaches.
Trestman eager to see Clausen play - Larry Mayer: Locked in a battle with Jordan Palmer, Jimmy Clausen will get his first chance to impress coaches in game action Friday night at Soldier Field.
Palmer on the competition for the No. 2 job - Chris Boden: Battle to become Jay Cutler’s backup begins in earnest Friday night when Cutler exits following a series or two.
[Video] CSNChicago discussion - Who has the edge in backup QB battle?
Players worth watching this preseason - Mike Tanier: Shaun Draughn has been generating camp buzz, is ahead of Ka'Deem Carey on the almighty unofficial depth chart, and has the blocking and receiving chops to stick.
Morgan says he's similar to Boldin - Michael C. Wright: Josh Morgan, listed as 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds (the same as Anquan Boldin), has caught 199 passes over six years in the NFL.
Game preview updates
Players to watch in preseason opener - Larry Mayer: Even after the Bears' established starters exit tonight's preseason opener against the Eagles, there are several intriguing players to watch.
Game preview - Michael C. Wright: What to watch for in preseason opener against Eagles.
Game preview - Adam Hoge's 10 players to keep a close eye on tonight.
Game preview - James Neveau: Five players that Bears fans should keep an eye on as they open the preseason.
Game preview - Tim Baffoe: More things to watch out for tonight. Sort of.
Bears retooling Special Team units - Dan Durkin: Bears will start the season with a new long snapper, punter, holder, kick returner and punt returner, which makes the preseason games vitally important for special teams evaluations.
Position battles - Moon Mullin: Sorting out fight for two LB spots ... Two safeties need to make statements.
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Bearsss
Blood types: Vereen brothers' road to the NFL - Not-Hub Arnold: Brock has strong support from big brother Shane, a running back with the Patriots.
Corey Fuller not surprised by Kyle's poise, camp performance - Not-Hub Arkush: Corey said Kyle apparently handled the tense camp situation better than he sometimes does when he’s alone with his brothers.
Fales getting accustomed to speed of NFL - Not-Hub Paras: David Fales feels like his game is progressing throughout training camp from the college level, particularly his footwork, but the biggest adjustment has been mental. Dan Wiederer: Can't wait to face Eagles.
Adrian Wilson doesn't like having to prove himself - Moon Mullin: The very thing veterans like least – training camp and meaningless preseason games – are precisely his best chance to extend an excellent career. Wilson grudgingly acknowledged that it's all part of the evaluation.
Undrafted CB Al Louis-Jean a quick study - Mark Potash: With a modest résumé after a checkered career at Boston College that included two starts, UDFA parlayed a rookie minicamp tryout into a spot on the training-camp roster and is making the most of it.
Bears mailbag - Brad Biggs' readers' Q&As: Will Bostic start? Will Carey make the roster? Will the Bears miss Hester?
[Video] - Boomer Esiason: Indefinite suspension of Martellus Bennett is meant to send a message to the entire team that the Bears have high expectations for this season and want no distractions.
Pivotal players to watch in the NFC in 2014 - Nate Davis picks out key players for each team whose performance could be the key to team success. AFC version.
Bears owe Cook County millions in taxes - (AP): An Illinois appeals court says the Bears owe $4.1 million to Cook County in amusement taxes, plus interest.
Sun-Times Bears section here.
Check WCGer Sackman's selection of Bears-themed tops here, or some t-shirt designs here.
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Polish sausage
Don't put too much stock in preseason depth charts - Mike Tanier: The depth charts mean little. Same with the "first team reps." Preseason performances are misleading, even in the first quarter. Coaches don't care about what we care about.
The Business of Football - Andrew Brandt: Haggling over first-rounders’ salaries is a thing of the past, but one thing hasn’t changed: personal relationships will always matter in the business of football.
Know thy enemy: Lions - Michael Rothstein: Detroit reviving the fullback position after not having a true one last season. (AP): Rookies eager for preseason debuts.
Craziest (CFL) football ending ever? - Adam Hoge: If you enjoy game-winning Hail Marys, then you have to love Marc Trestman's Montreal Alouettes' game-winning field goal-double-punt-fumble-recovery [with Video].
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