Confident defense seeks identity

Cornerback Charles Tillman has high hopes for the defense, but the health of the unit will determine how close it comes to his expectations. Last season, Nate Vasher, Tillman's running mate on the corner, missed 12 games with a torn groin muscle, and the injury bug inflicted major damage on the defensive line.

"With the two of us healthy," Tillman began, "well, with everyone healthy, not just Nate and I, with our whole defense healthy I think the sky's the limit for us."

The Bears had a top five defense in 2006, but slumped badly last season. Most of the same players are around, but Tillman says this group has to make its mark all over again.

"I just think we need to create our own identity and stop living in 2006," he said. "It's 2008 now, so we have to establish our own identity again."

Rookies on display: Rookie running back Matt Forte showed above-average speed and quickness after taking a screen pass for big yardage in Saturday's night's practice during 11-on-11 drills.

"It seems like every day he's doing something that we take notice of," coach Lovie Smith said of the second-round pick.

Smith also singled out fifth-round rookie tight end Kellen Davis, who caught a deep seam route in stride from Rex Grossman. Rookie wide receiver Earl Bennett had another notable practice, which is becoming commonplace.

"He seems to make a couple big plays each day," Smith said. "We expected that out of him. He made a lot of catches at Vanderbilt, and hopefully it will continue."

Ready for returns: Devin Hester attended the Saturday morning practice that featured a heavy dose of special teams, but he did not participate, even though he did not appear to be hindered by the phantom hamstring injury that is likely to linger until his contract extension is finalized.

During the night practice, Hester fielded some simulated punts from the jugs machine and moved without a limp, catching the ball effortlessly.

"We anticipate him coming back shortly," coach Lovie Smith said. "He's making progress. He seems like he's ready to go, and we're ready to get him out on the football field and get him back in the mix."

Walking wounded: First-round pick Chris Williams was just an observer at both Saturday practices, and the offensive tackle did not appear to be moving particularly well in the wake of the back spasms he suffered Thursday.

Veteran backup John St. Clair remains the starting left tackle and could be there for quite a while, perhaps even into the regular season, if Williams misses significant practice time.

"You try to work and get better, but being physically limited right now is really frustrating," he said.

"I don't think it's going to be a significant amount of time."

For now Williams has to be satisfied with trying to learn from watching

"I just look at the whole picture - what's the play call, what's the defense, what would I be in doing in this situation and what kind of adjustments we would be making and stuff like that."