Close, but never made
Before the Bears decided to re-sign Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs in the offseason, they chose to part ways with him. At the heart of that issue is the imbroglio they found themselves in with the San Francisco 49ers last year -- a messy tampering case that went all the way to the commissioner's office.
Idonije may get DE look vs. 49ers
The Bears liked what they saw from defensive tackle Israel Idonije in a spot start last week at Seattle and plan to look at him at defensive end Thursday against the San Francisco 49ers.
'Happy' Orton is the man
By the time the Bears returned from Seattle at the crack of dawn Sunday, Kyle Orton had an idea he soon would be named the starting quarterback. He had gotten the quick hook after only two series the night before against the Seahawks and figured a move was in the works. But wiped out from the cross-country trip, he wasn't up late contemplating his future or dining on the town.
Signs point toward Orton
It seems pretty obvious which way the Bears are going at quarterback. With 20 days until the start of the regular season, all signs are pointing to Kyle Orton being the starter Sept. 7 at Indianapolis. Coach Lovie Smith didn't give any indication Saturday night after a 29-26 overtime loss at Seattle, but did he have to?
Bears' problems just get started with QB
SEATTLE -- It's a simple fact of NFL life that the evaluation of an offense too often begins and ends with an evaluation of the quarterback. That's particularly true this year for the Bears with Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman locked in a preseason death spiral to determine who will line up under center for the season opener Sept. 7 at Indianapolis.
No risk-taker, Orton is the safe pick
Editor's note: Matt Bowen is a former seven-year veteran of the NFL who retired last year. The former Glenbard West star has a degree in journalism from Iowa and will analyze Bears games periodically for www.suntimes.com/sports.
