The Bears Den: September 03, 2014 - Chicago Bears week 1 news and notes

Emery tackles a variety of subjects - Larry Mayer: In a Q&A session with fans on ChicagoBears.com Tuesday, GM Phil Emery shared his thoughts on a variety of different issues impacting the team. Full Q&A session here.

Larry Mayer's Chalk Talk - Larry discusses whether Micheal Spurlock will return kicks for the Bears this season, if Chris Conte will start Sunday's opener, and the status of Marquess Wilson.

10 thoughts on the Bears - Mark Potash: Briggs should be least of Bears’ worries; looking ahead to Bears-Bills; thoughts on Jordan Lynch, the roster, and more.

Follow WCG on Twitter; like us on Facebook (& click on 'Subscribed to'). Check out David "OSS" Taylor's CheekyMonkeyArt prints and t-shirts. Den pic in hi-res.

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Lance Briggs "Restaurantgate"

Briggs kicks off season with BBQ - Jon Greenberg: The fact that people were legitimately arguing about Briggs skipping a Monday practice in order to attend the opening of "his" restaurant perfectly epitomizes the importance of the Bears in Chicago. Mannelly surprised at Briggs’ absence.

Michael Irvin upset Briggs missed practice for restaurant opening - NFL analyst Michael Irvin voices his concern with Bears linebacker skipping practice [with Audio].

Are you sure Briggs is the bad guy? - Is-Hub Arkush: What did he miss Monday, a glorified walk-through? Marc Trestman did absolutely the right thing by allowing his veteran all pro to take a personal day on Labor Day.

Briggs' absence says more about Trestman - David Haugh: The uncommon courtesy that makes Trestman an exceptional man, if taken advantage of by savvy players, potentially makes him a vulnerable head coach.

[Video] - Adam L. Jahns on Lance Briggs missing practice, Bears safety battle.

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Bears-Bills

[Video] ESPN - Jeff Dickerson previews the storylines to watch this week as the Bears prepare for their home opener on Sunday against the Bills.

Know thy enemy - Chris Boden: If Bears fans think one playoff appearance in the past seven years isn't nearly good enough, consider that the last time the Bills made the playoffs was 1999.

Game preview - Steve Silverman takes a look at how the Bills and Bears match up.

Team notes - Jeff Joniak: Early impressions of the 2014 Bears; keep an eye on Willie Young; 26 new players on roster a challenge for special teams; offense could skyrocket with more possessions.

Team news - Bob LeGere: Jordan Mills eager to get back at it after missing preseason games; Santonio Holmes could get a chance to return punts against Buffalo; roster moves.

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Previewing Bears 2014

Bears preview - Dan Bernstein: Waaaah and stuff.

Bears schedule predictions - Michael C. Wright sees the Bears closing the season with a four-game winning streak to finish with a better record than in 2013.

NFC North preview - James Neveau: Schedule could make it tough for Bears overtake the Packers and finish in the top spot in the division.

Bears' 2014 schedule may not be all it seems - Moon Mullin: Some unfortunate and unseemly changes are affecting some of the top teams on the schedule.

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Bearsss

Wilson placed on IR, but will return - Larry Mayer: The Bears on Tuesday placed Marquess Wilson on injured reserve with the designation to return, and re-signed Kelvin Hayden.

Jared Allen in his natural habitat as a leader - Adam L. Jahns: Allen’s engaging ways have been infectious, from the offseason regimen to training camp to the preseason.

Don't expect Bears defense to be fixed overnight - Mike Mulligan: Sadly, the revamped D-line is just the start of retooling for the defense. There are holes that remain a great concern. Mundy, McCray starters on unofficial depth chart.

Montana, Brees, Dilfer all having indirect influence on Cutler's growth - Dan Wiederer: Trestman, Kromer and Cavanaugh have all gained valuable experience during their coaching careers working around championship-winning QBs. Adam Schein: Jay Cutler will achieve greatness this fall.

Bears mailbag - Q: Any chance the Bears trade one of their bottom-of-the-depth-chart DEs for a big-name safety? Brad Biggs: /facepalm.

Ranking NFL teams by watchability - SportsOnEarth is sagging, badly.

It's easy these days to appreciate the McCaskeys - Mike Imrem: Recent embarrassments involving Jim Irsay and Jerry Jones inspire a new appreciation of the McCaskeys as people, and maybe even as owners of the Bears.

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More Bears audiovisual

[Audio] - Colin Cowherd ranks his top 10 NFL teams and places the Bears at #6.

Photos - ChicagoBears.com lists the top 10 reasons why you should be excited for the Bears' 2014 season.

[Audio] - Charles Tillman joins Carmen & Jurko to discuss his playing future, his impressions of Kyle Fuller, his outlook for the season and more.

[Video] - Jon Bostic on 2014: "We got a lot to prove." ... [Video] Talking Bills and the 2014 season on SportsTalk Live.

[Video] - Charles Tillman makes a surprise appearance to deliver the weather.

[Audio] - Kyle Long joins Carmen & Jurko to discuss the state of the Bears' line, making the playoffs this season and more.

[Audio] - Brian Urlacher offers his insight on J.J. Watt's abilities, officiating in the preseason, the outlook for defenses in the NFC North, and Jay Cutler's toughness.

[Video] ChicagoBears.com - Hall of Famer Mike Singletary talks with ChicagoBears.com about the Bears' chances in 2014 and the importance of safety.

[Video] ChicagoBears.com - The best mic'd up moments of the preseason that includes; Jay Cutler, Robbie Gould, Kyle Long, Willie Young and Marc Trestman.

[Video] Inside the Bears - Anthony Adams, always looking for answers, has a deep conversation with his tablet.

Check WCGer Sackman's selection of Bears-themed tops here, or some t-shirt designs here.

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Polish sausage

Jack Bechta: The Agent's Journal - What is an injury settlement?

X&Os - (AP) Ten years ago it was an ideal base defense, but evidence of the Tampa 2's use around the NFL these days is scant.

Know thy enemies - The ESPN NFC North writers with their game-by-game predictions for the Packers, the Lions, and the Vikings.

Know thy enemy: Vikings - Brian Hall: Though he can appear to be a red-faced shouter, at his core Mike Zimmer is a teacher, and Vikings defenders say he still coaches with a hands-on approach.

Know thy enemy: Packers - Rob Demovsky: Smaller might be better for Packers' run defense.

Know thy enemy: Lions - Michael Rothstein: Why J.J. Watt's $100 million contract affects Ndamukong Suh.

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