Urlacher optimistic, ready

BOURBONNAIS - After being voted to six Pro Bowls in his first seven seasons, Brian Urlacher hasn't made the trip the past two seasons, and it's no coincidence the Bears' defense has slumped, too.

But this year Urlacher is healthier than he's been in awhile and, not coincidentally, he's optimistic about the defense and the team as a whole.

"I think this is the best team I've been on going into training camp since I've been here, there's no doubt about that," said Urlacher, whose teams made the playoffs in 2001, '05 and '06. "You look at each position, and we stack up pretty well vs. every team in the NFL.

"It's been a long summer trying to get back in shape and get healthy again, but I feel great. I was able to train this year. Last year I had the neck surgery. I was trying to get ready for the season and rehabbing that, but now I'm just able to train hard, lift weights and do things I've normally done throughout my career."

Healthy Harris: When defensive tackle Tommie Harris is close to 100 percent physically, the Bears are a better defense. But Harris has often been less than full strength over the past three seasons, when he has missed 10 starts and numerous practices because of knee and hamstring injuries.

Harris was not voted to the Pro Bowl last season for the first time in four years, and his tackle totals have dropped in each of the past three seasons. He was held out of some off-season work because of his finicky knees but might be poised for a big comeback.

"Tommie wasn't 100 percent during some of the off-season work," coach Lovie Smith said. "He is now. Our plan is for Tommie to get right into the mix just like the rest of our players. Tommie can be the best lineman in the game. He's excited to play at that level."

Feeling chippy: Quarterback Jay Cutler said he'd understand if the team's wide receivers were feeling a bit salty after all the off-season talk about the need for an upgrade at that position.

"I'd be (teed) off if I were them," Cutler said. "Everyone's doubting them and questioning their ability. So hopefully they do come in here with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove. I think that would be really good."

Cutler smiled when he was asked if he had a chip on his shoulder.

"I'm good," he said. "I think there's some more stuff for me to prove to you all and maybe to my teammates and the city, but I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be fun. When I got traded here, I kind of knew what I was getting into. I was excited then, and I'm still excited now."