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5 key issues for Bears as they head into training camp

Posted July 21, 2007 11:00 pm

Reed Schreck

The assignment is to offer the five burning questions surrounding the Chicago Bears as they prepare for training camp next week in Bourbonnais.

The first reaction is, this might be hard. After all, they're coming off a Super Bowl year and have nearly everyone back. How many "burning questions" can there be?

So the way to begin is with the obvious.

1) Whither Lance Briggs?

Will we see him? And if so, when? First day of training camp, second week, opening day, 11th game of the season? Who knows, besides Briggs and everyone's favorite football agent Drew Rosenhaus.

If Briggs is given assurances he won't be the franchise player the following season, something will be worked out. It's so logical, look for him to be in camp within a week, two tops.

This becomes a story with many angles if Briggs remains a no-show. Like, who's going to replace him? There's no one proven, so a lot of attention will be paid to second-year man Jamar Williams early on.

2) Can Benson be the man?

There's no Thomas Jones to worry about now - at least by Benson. Fans might wonder if the team is better off with one main ball carrier, or if two is better than one nowadays.

If Northern Illinois' Garrett Wolfe shows he's worthy of a third-round selection, then this becomes less of an issue. Adrian Peterson's role obviously could increase, and he's shown to be capable in limited work over the years.

3) How to fill the Tank Johnson void?

Johnson's finally out of chances and out of uniform. Someone has to take his place alongside Tommie Harris at defensive tackle. A lot of names to watch here, none the quality of Tank ... yet.

Second-year man Dusty Dvoracek, out all of last year due to injury, will be closely observed. Depth comes from Antonio Garay, Israel Idonije and Anthony Adams.

4) Tillman - in, or out?

Now that the team has locked up corner Nate Vasher, will they do the same with Charles Tillman?

There are all kinds of candidates to replace Tillman after this season already on the roster, many added in the last two seasons. Ricky Manning Jr. and Dante Wesley are back, and Trumaine McBride and Corey Graham were drafted. That would make it seem like they could afford to let Tillman go.

Don't be surprised, though, if they offer him an extension.

5) Rex - good, or bad?

Quarterback Rex Grossman was both last year. Brilliant at times; frustrating on other occasions. He's playing for a future contract as well and needs to show more consistency to prove to the team that they can count on him for four to five more years.

Then there's ... wait, we're limited to five. There's certainly more we could add. How will the Mark Anderson/Alex Brown situation play out at defensive end? Or Devin Hester's conversion to offense? Or safety, with free agent Adam Archuleta on board and Mike Brown coming back from yet another injury.

There are a lot of answers needed to key questions that will help determine whether a return to the Super Bowl is likely, possible or far-fetched.

Staff writer Reed Schreck can be reached at 815-987-1381 or rschreck@rrstar.com.

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