LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) - The Chicago Bears' defense will likely have a similar look next season whether Brian Urlacher is part of it or not.
New coach Marc Trestman and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker say the Bears will stick with a 4-3 set and won't change much schematically with a defense that ranked among the league's best under Lovie Smith.
The big question is whether Urlacher will be a part of it.
The 8-time Pro Bowl linebacker has an expiring contract and missed the last four games with a hamstring injury after being slowed by a knee problem.
Trestman says it would be "premature" to discuss Urlacher's future. He says they spoke on the phone for about 30 to 40 minutes about the team, not specifically his situation.
Heading into his third season, Chicago Bears nose tackle Stephen Paea is ready to compete for the starting spot. But handling his family's off-season acquisition – triplets! – may be a bigger challenge.
Heading into his third season, Chicago Bears nose tackle Stephen Paea is ready to compete for the starting spot. But handling his family's off-season acquisition – triplets! – may be a bigger challenge.
Monday, May 13 2013 12:14 AM EDT2013-05-13 04:14:12 GMT
Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Blanchard had little chance to impress coaches last season or during an April minicamp, so he did what he could to make the most of his chance to throw at the team's rookie camp...
Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Blanchard had little chance to impress coaches last season or during an April minicamp, so he did what he could to make the most of his chance to throw at the team's rookie camp that ended...
Saturday, May 11 2013 11:39 PM EDT2013-05-12 03:39:02 GMT
Chicago Bears first round draft pick Kyle Long expects he'll be able to overcome the lack of offseason practice time that will result from missing all of organized team activities and minicamp with his new team.
Chicago Bears first round draft pick Kyle Long expects he'll be able to overcome the lack of offseason practice time that will result from missing all of organized team activities and minicamp with his new team.
