Long knows offense has a long way to go

BOURBONNAIS - Kyle Long made his second Pro Bowl in as many seasons last year, but overall it was not a successful season for the offensive line.

That resulted in a subpar season for the offense.

"As we go, the offense goes," Long said. "We know that. We need to be on top of our game every day because, if we're not, then bad things happen with our offense.

"It reflects poorly on everybody: quarterback, running back, receivers, coaches, you name it. If we do our job, things are a lot easier for everybody else."

The biggest difference up front this year is at center, where Will Montgomery takes over for Roberto Garza, which means some changes for Long at right guard.

"I can ease off my Rosetta Stone a little bit," Long joked. "I don't have to speak as much Spanish. Garza was tremendous. He was my veteran. He was somebody that really raised me in this league and took me under his shoulder."

The 32-year-old Montgomery is four years younger than Garza and he is familiar with new offensive coordinator Adam Gase's scheme, having played for him last year with the Denver Broncos.

"Montgomery has done a tremendous job with this offense to be able to relate the subtle nuances and changes from last year to the young guys and to the guys who have been in the league for a few years and are trying to find their way in this offense," Long said.

Leading the way:

Strong safety Ryan Mundy started nine games with free safety Antrel Rolle in 2013 with the New York Giants, and Mundy says the three-time Pro Bowler brings an impressive skill set to the Bears.

"He's a vocal guy, and he's a football player," Mundy said. "He's not going to wow you with his speed or athleticism, but he's always in the right place at the right time, and he makes a lot of big plays.

"That's the one thing that really stood out to me playing with him in New York, is he's always in the right place at the right time, and he's not only a leader through his actions, but he's also a vocal leader and guys really rally around him."

Mundy and 2014 fourth-round pick Brock Vereen are currently competing for the starting job opposite Rolle.

Sitting it out:

Linebacker Pernell McPhee and running back Matt Forte (coaches' decision) were held out of Saturday's practice at Soldier Field.

The annual Family Fest drew a crowd of 23,492 despite the $22 charge for parking.

After an off-day on Sunday, the Bears return to Olivet Nazarene University for practices Monday (11:15 a.m.) and Tuesday (9:35 a.m.) before the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday at Soldier Field at 7 p.m.

Can't wait:

Jared Allen has enjoyed about as much training camp as he can stand.

Asked if he needed to play in a game soon, he said: "Yeah, I want a game so training camp will be over. That's everybody. After 12 years this still (bleeps)."

The Bears actually have two more morning practices in Bourbonnais after Thursday night's preseason opener - 11:15 next Saturday and 9:35 Sunday.