Bears defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli expects a lot from his troops; “We want to be consistent, at a high level,” Marinelli said. “It’s hard to do. This is the first major test for us. I am not going to throw them a bouquet for doing what they’re supposed to do.”
Whether it’s at free safety or strong safety, Chris Harris will be a member of the Bears’ starting defense.
Bears LB Brian Urlacher on DE Julius Peppers: “[H]e’s the best football player I’ve ever seen.”
Bucking the NFL trend, the Bears could play their starters for as much as a full half in the preseason opener against the Chargers.
The Bears spent extra time Thursday getting rookie QB Dan LeFevour reps in team drills, in preparation for his preseason debut.
The Bears have had three defensive coordinators in three years, and all three of them currently are on the coaching staff.
So how does Lions Ndamukong Suh feel about his preseason debut? “I don’t really consider it an exhibition game,” Suh said. “It’s live bullets.”
The Lions finished 5-11 in EA Sports’ annual Madden simulation.
Lions S Louis Delmas most likely won’t play in the preseason opener.
Lions WR Bryant Johnson has improved significantly in 2010, thanks in large part to the avoidance of any golf-cart mishaps.
On Thursday, the Lions worked in practice against a 3-4 defense for the first time; they’ll face a 3-4 against the Steelers.
The Packers moved LB Clay Matthews from the right side to the left side to get him away from the team’s other top pass rusher, RDE Cullen Jenkins.
Packers CB Sam Shields has launched an unexpected challenge to CB Charles Woodson for the most interceptions in training camp.
Packers TE Spencer Havner will help out at linebacker in the preseason opener, due to injuries at the position.
A extra-hot daytime practice prompted the Packers to shed the pads for their evening practice.
Packers QB Graham Harrell looked good running the two-minute drill with the second-team offense.
The Vikings are lucky to have K Ryan Longwell.
Ray Small is trying to swipe the punt-return gig in Minnesota.
The last day of two-a-days in Mankato featured a squabble between Vikings DE Ray Edwards and rookie RB Toby Gerhart.
Then, Edwards and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier got into it, too.
Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson left practice for about 15 minutes with an elevated heart rate. (Maybe coach Brad Childress had dressed up like a lady again.)
Vikings coaches haven’t decided whether LB E.J. Henderson will play on Saturday against the Rams.