In Thursday's edition of Bears Bites, we take a look at the adjustments that Mel Tucker and company have planned for the Chicago Bears' defense, as well as the preparations that Kyle Long and Charles Tillman are undertaking as they get ready to play against Ndamukong Suh and Calvin Johnson, respectively.
- It's a question that many Bears fans have undoubtedly asked themselves over the past few weeks, but Mark Potash lays it out: simply put, are the Bears for real, or are they a mirage? [Chicago Sun-Times]
- Bears CB Charles Tillman was held out of the team's practice on Wednesday with the groin injury that he sustained against the Pittsburgh Steelers, which was a result of overcompensating for the knee injury he picked up against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Got that straight? [Bears.com]
- Is Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker planning on changing much about his strategy going into the team's game Sunday against the Detroit Lions? It sure doesn't seem so. [Chicago Tribune]
- Ah, but not so fast, says Adam Hoge. The Bears may very well have to change up their emphasis on blitzing against a Lions team loaded with offensive weapons. [670 The Score]
- Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley are a tough tandem for any offensive lineman to go up against, but when that lineman is a rookie, then the challenge is even greater. Fortunately for the Bears, Kyle Long seems to be relishing the chance to once again prove his mettle. [ESPN Chicago]
- Tillman may not be at 100%, but he seems eager to have the chance to go up against Detroit WR Calvin Johnson, arguably the best pass-catcher in the game. When asked about the relationship the two shared, the answer seemed to be cordial, but distant, according to John Mullin. [CSN Chicago]
Local
- It may only be Thursday, but Paul Banks has your game preview of the Lions and Bears anyway. [The Sports Bank]
- Finally, the Bears may be having to play without Henry Melton at the three-technique spot on their line, but they can't afford to feel sorry for themselves. [Bears Huddle]
