Of Bears’ myriad issues, Cutler is down on the list – David Haugh: Jay Cutler never has been less relevant to a Bears season than this one. That’s not another knock on him as much as an acknowledgment of so much misplaced focus around town … On second thought, maybe Bears fans should continue to obsess on his every move. It might take their minds off the bigger problems.

Bears Issue No. 3: How quickly can the defense improve? – Moon Mullin: The change from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 is less important than how well a vast array of new players come together with a new coaching staff and philosophy.

Follow WCG on Twitter; like us on Facebook (& click on ‘Follow’).  Den pic in hi-res.

———-
Bearsss

Bears training camp previews – Jeff Dickerson takes a closer look at storylines heading into Bears training camp ahead of things kicking off in Bourbonnais next week … projected 53-man roster … projected starters.

[Video] – Adam Hoge joins Jarrett Payton and Josh Frydman to preview Bears training camp.

Roster analysis: Matt Forte – Not-Hub Atkins: Can Forte fit a system that loves bunch formations and two-TE sets to spread defenses out just to run right up the middle?

Roster analysis: Tight End – Dan Wiederer: Martellus Bennett can either set aside his disappointment at not receiving a new contract and continue energizing the Bears offense as he has the last two seasons, or he can go the moody route and make life uncomfortable.

Drama missing from Bears receiver corps… for a change – Moon Mullin: Brandon Marshall is gone, which by definition reduces the “drama” quotient by somewhere between half and two-thirds. The only drama now is performance-related, whether or how quickly Kevin White reaches the level expected of a No. 7-overall draft choice.

[Video] – Is-Hub Arkush: Who will be Cutler’s main receiver in 2015, and what is the biggest offensive concern going into 2015?

Roster analysis: Safety – Rich Campbell: One of the Bears’ thinnest positions at least features two locker room leaders, while second-year pro Brock Vereen pushes the veterans for playing time.

Roster analysis: Safety – Is-Hub Arkush: Al Afalava, Josh Bullocks, Corey Graham, Danieal Manning, Chis Conte, Brandon Meriweather, Craig Steltz, Major Wright, Anthony Walters, Ryan Mundy, Danny McCray, Brock Vereen – all have been brought in since Mike Brown’s departure, but the hemorrhaging has continued.

32 questions for 32 NFL teams – Nate Davis picks out one major issue per club as teams get ready to report to work for 2015 season. How will the Bears adapt to Vic Fangio’s 3-4 defense?

QBs and salary – FootballOutsiders do their thing and chart what teams get for their buck. Ed Hochuli memes here.

Worst loss for each NFC franchise – Chris Burke breaks down the biggest gut-punch loss and opens a wound for the Bears by picking a fairly recent last-minute one against the Packers.

Coaches Corner with Jeff Rodgers – Larry Mayer: New special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers has served in the same role the past five seasons under John Fox in Carolina and Denver.

Chicago’s greatest athletes by uniform number – David Just: Day 4: Nos. 39-20.

TMZ BDZ – Matthew Schwerha (aka Darth Sheade’s apprentice): “Get ready for training camp with photos of Bears players in floppy hats”.

———-
Polish sausage

Know thy enemies – ESPN’s NFC North reporters with training camp previews for the Packers, the Lions, and the Vikings.

Know thy enemy: Vikings – Ben Goessling: Breaking down Adrian Peterson’s contract … Jason B. Hirschhorn: Vikings among teams poised for breakout … Bucky Brooks: Vikings can expect impact from top-5 rookie class.

Know thy enemy: Lions – Kevin Patra: Every NFL receiver would be considered No. 2 behind Calvin Johnson, but don’t tell that to Golden Tate, whose mentality is always to battle as a No. 1.

Know thy enemy: Lions – Dan Hanzus’s Pain rankings, #4: The Lions are one of the oldest franchises in football — that means their fans have suffered longer than most, with the 0-16 2008 season being their the entire history of NFL’s lowest point.

———-

.