Defense is the least of Bears' concerns

When the Bears begin their seventh training camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais with Wednesday's 3 p.m. practice, it will be a tale of two teams.

There's more than enough talent on defense for the Bears to dominate on that side of the ball, especially when they're facing a Bears offense that is riddled with concerns and question marks.

Assuming middle linebacker Brian Urlacher reports on time despite the absence of the contract extension he desires, the Bears' defense has enough star power to light up the night during eight evening practices sprinkled throughout the 23-day camp, including one at Soldier Field on Friday, Aug. 1. Urlacher, weak-side linebacker Lance Briggs and defensive tackle Tommie Harris have 12 Pro Bowl appearances among them. Briggs and Harris have both been Pro Bowlers in each of the past three seasons, and Urlacher has been to six of the last eight.

That didn't prevent a defensive drop-off last season, as the Bears sank all the way from fifth to 28th in total yards allowed and from third to 16th in points allowed. But every major player from the Super Bowl XLI defense is still on the roster, with the exception of Tank Johnson, so a return to the 2006 standard isn't unrealistic for the defense.

The offense is another story.

There will be three new starters on the offensive line, a new featured running back and two new starting wide receivers. Oh, and for the first time in five years, Rex Grossman will not go to training camp as the undisputed starter at quarterback. His lack of production last season, combined with his inconsistency the previous year, has opened the door for a challenge from Kyle Orton.

Coaches insist the competition will be conducted on a level playing field with the contenders alternating practices with the first team, the formula that was used throughout the off-season.

But the quarterbacks won't be the only players who will be under the microscope throughout the 23 training camp practices that conclude on Aug. 14. These three will be watched as closely as anyone.

Wide receiver Devin Hester: Bears coach Lovie Smith insists that the elite return specialist can convert his mad skills to the wide receiver position and become a go-to target in the NFL. It might not happen this season, but considering the unimpressive nature of the Bears' wideout corps and Hester's unique athleticism he could conceivably jump ahead of most of a mediocre group of contenders. During off-season practices, there appeared to be a concerted effort to get the ball to Hester, regardless of whether Grossman or Orton was taking the snaps. Hester already has better speed and make-you-miss ability than most of the skill-position players in the NFL. He possesses soft hands and has worked to improve his route running and knowledge of the playbook.

Running back Matt Forte: Despite the recent addition of veteran Kevin Jones, the Bears fully intend for the rookie from Tulane to be their workhorse. And, considering Jones is unlikely to be 100 percent at the start of the season, a huge responsibility has been placed on Forte. Offensive coordinator Ron Turner says he doesn't hesitate to use the second-round pick in any situation because he has already achieved a solid grasp of the offense. The Bears also believe Forte possesses the skill set to be the ideal three-down back because of his receiving skills and willingness to protect the quarterback when called upon to block. Forte is not a burner, but in the off-season he showed better speed and quickness than last year's starter Cedric Benson. Coaches are confident that Forte can step in as the main man from Day One.

O-tackle Chris Williams: If the first-round pick from Vanderbilt steps in and quickly plays like a No. 1 pick, there's a good chance the Bears will be better along the offensive line.

That group was a major disappointment last season and a huge reason the team had one of the NFL's worst offenses and the No. 32 running game.

If Williams, who has yet to agree to contract terms, isn't the opening-day starter, it will be a giant letdown and will force the Bears to starting backup-quality players at two positions.

Last year's more-than-adequate left tackle, John Tait, has already been moved to right tackle in anticipation of Williams stepping up to the task. The rookie appears to be more adept at pass protection at this point, but in the Bears' run-first version of the West Coast offense, they also need strong run blockers across the board.

If you go

What: Bears training camp

Where: Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais (approximately 60 miles south of Chicago).

Directions: (From the suburbs) Tri-State Tollway (294) south to I-57 south to Bradley/Bourbonnais Exit 315 (Rte. 50) south. Turn right on Armour Road at the end of the exit ramp. At the second light turn left onto Convent St. (Rte. 45/52). Go past the side entrance to the ONU campus (on the left) and continue curving around to the left to the main entrance.

When: Gates to training camp open one hour before the start of all day practice sessions and two hours before the start of all night practice sessions. Admission is free to the public for all training camp practice sessions.

Parking: It's free. Crowds of more than several thousand can be accommodated, but fans begin arriving up to three hours before the start of afternoon and evening practices, so expect to walk at least a couple blocks.

What else: There's an interactive area for children and a gift shop for souvenirs and memorabilia. Food and drinks are available at concession stands.

At night: T.J. Donlan's is a popular destination. It's just across Convent Street from the ONU campus and an occasional gathering place for players.