With Mike Tice taking the reigns of the Bears offense, the team could soon resemble the Vikings from 2002-05. Tice was Minnesota's head coach over that period and while he wasn't involved in the play-calling, he was involved in the shaping of the system. "Mike was very involved in the offense in Minnesota," Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, who was the Vikings coordinator under Tice. "He was an offensive head coach. I leaned on him heavily. He had lots of very good ideas." In the first three years under Tice, the Vikings ranked second (2002), first (2003) and fourth (2004) in total offense per game, a big-play offense led by quarterback Daunte Culpepper and wide receiver Randy Moss. The Bears have a similar big-play threat at those positions in Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall.

The Bears all but announced that they think they will be a passing team in 2012. While running back Matt Forte skipped the first week of organized team activities because of a contract dispute, Jay Cutler and wide receiver Brandon Marshall took turns complimenting each other. Forte's value remains a source of debate and contention. Throughout the league, people have wondered why the Bears can't agree on a multiyear contract extension for one of the most productive running backs. A major sticking point could stem from Chicago's worry over how long Forte's knees will hold up, a source suggested to the Chicago Tribune. The wear and tear on Forte's knees drew the attention of several teams, including the Bears, before the 2008 NFL draft when he came out of Tulane. According to the source, given Forte's past the Bears cannot rule out arthritis setting in and becoming a chronic problem for the fifth-year running back with 1,237 career NFL touches who turns 27 in December. In the NFL, data show running backs start declining after age 28.

Brian Urlacher believes that Bears running back Matt Forte deserves a long-term deal, but he isn't expecting one anytime soon. "Everyone wants Matt to get his deal and get what he wants," Urlacher told WMVP-AM. "Is it realistic? Probably not, because nobody gets what they want these days. Or what we think we're worth. We want him to get a deal. I think either way he'll be here when he needs to be here, for training camp and the games that really count. As long as we can get him back and get him healthy, that's all that really matters."

Brian Urlacher, who is entering the final year of his contract, understands that he could be playing his last season with the Bears. The linebacker wants to remain with Chicago, but he is somewhat excited by free agency. "I think (team president) Ted Phillips said when they had the owners meeting they're gonna wait until the season is over; see what happens, how I play (before addressing the contract situation)," Urlacher said. "It's kind of exciting. I've never been a free agent. So if I can get to free agency we'll see what happens. I no doubt want to finish my career here. There's no doubt about that. But you bring in free agency and all that you just never know what's gonna happen."

Johnny Knox plans to make a full recovery from a fractured vertebra he suffered on December 18 versus the Seahawks. With that said, there is a chance the wide receiver won't play for the Bears at all in 2012. "It could happen, but I'm staying optimistic," Knox said of missing an entire season. "My main focus is in that weight room. That's all I'm focusing on. I'm not in a rush (to return), this is my spine, the core of my body that I'm dealing with. This is not my knee or my ankle or my shoulder...I'm taking my time on this." The injury to Knox occurred when he fumbled after making a 17-yard catch on a slant route. As Knox was scrambling on the ground to recover the loose ball he was hit by Anthony Hargrove and bent backwards. Knox was carted off the field and underwent surgery the next day to stabilize vertebra in his spinal column. Five months later, Knox has still not watched a replay of the hit. "No, I actually haven't, I probably don't want to see it until I retire," he said.

The Bears have more than enough cap space to sign Matt Forte to the long-term contract the running back so covets. After signing their six-man draft class, Chicago has $3.81 million in remaining cap room, according to a source. Forte's salary-cap figure of $7.742 million from the franchise tag for 2012 already is factored into the team's space, even though he has yet to sign the one-year tender. A multiyear deal for Forte, 26, actually could lower his number, giving the Bears more space.

Brandon Marshall is confident that the Bears, his new team, can leapfrog the Packers and Lions in the NFC North this fall. "Honestly, I think we can not only make it to the Super Bowl, but I think we'll have a chance to win it," Marshall said on ESPN's "First Take" on Friday. The Bears missed the playoffs last season after losing five of their final six games. Chicago's offense ranked just 24th in 2011, but Marshall said the Bears didn't have to worry about following the high-scoring style of the Packers and Lions. "I look at it the other way," Marshall said. "You have to pay respect to the Packers because they won the division, but those teams don't have a defense like we do."

New York City police have decided not to bring charges against Brandon Marshall for an altercation outside a nightclub in March, according to the receiver's attorney. "Brandon was the victim here and never did anything wrong," Harvey Steinberg said. "This confirms that." Marshall was alleged to have punched a woman in the face outside Manhattan's Marquee club, but police struggled to find evidence against Marshall.

Brandon Marshall, who has been reunited with former Broncos teammate Jay Cutler in Chicago, says the quarterback is a great leader. Marshall told reporters today he's been blown away by how much Cutler has grown as a leader since the two were last teammates in 2008. "He's amazing," the wide receiver said. "We all know the type of arm Jay has, but I've been away from Jay for three years and the biggest change I see in Jay is his leadership. How he's teaching guys and how he's leading us and inspiring us day in and day out. Man, we can't ask for a better leader, better captain, and I'm excited to really see what we do as an offense because of him. We all know what he can do physically, but where he's at in the mental part of the game is a sight to see."

The Bears plan to move Chris Williams back to offensive tackle, according to sources. Considered one of Chicago's most athletic offensive linemen, Williams might actually push J'Marcus Webb for the starter's role at left tackle.