Angelo likes what he sees from running back Forte

BOURBONNAIS - General manager Jerry Angelo expects big things from Matt Forte and the running game, even if the emphasis this year will be more on throwing the ball under coordinator Mike Martz.

Angelo contends Forte looks like a different player than the one who played with knee and hamstring injuries last season.

"Matt has worked his tail off," Angelo said. "He's in the best shape he's been. It's just a matter of getting the opportunities. I expect big things out of Matt this year. This offense will create some (opportunities) for him in terms of using him as a receiver as well, which again will play in to his strengths."

The presence of veteran running back Chester Taylor gives the Bears depth they haven't had in the past.

"Chester is the real deal," Angelo said. "He's a great complementing back. He does a great job on third down. We saw that firsthand when we had to play against him in Minnesota. I think we have a real good tandem."

Learning experience: What did the Bears learn in their three weeks of practice at Olivet Nazarene University?

"We're good," safety Chris Harris said. "I feel we have a lot of the pieces in place to make a run and win the Super Bowl."

Defensive tackle Tommie Harris said: "One thing I've learned is that it's the same defense, but if we just toughen up the players, it'll become even better, so that's what we did this training camp."

Coach Lovie Smith said that was part of the plan.

"This was one of the more physical camps we've had," Smith said. "We've gotten a lot of good work in, good contact. We have installed a lot, but we have great teachers out here, and there was a lot of teaching going on."

Different philosophy: Part of the reason quarterback Jay Cutler was only on the field for eight snaps in the preseason opener is because the Chargers chose the unusual tactic of blitzing early and often. That's not a strategy Bears defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli subscribes to.

"If you over-scheme it, the offense isn't ready for it, and you're winning (only) by a scheme," Marinelli said. "During the regular season, they'll be ready. (We) want to make sure that we're ready in our base stuff, and that when we do put something in, it adds to what we do.

"This time of the year, if you blitz, you want to blitz into the side of the protection because you want to see who can beat a block. If you get a blitzer (who comes) free, OK, that's good. During the regular season you like that. But right now you want to see what blitzers can beat a block, so that evaluation is there."