All those questions? Answers coming

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Phil Emery?Youre up.The Bears' general manager probably knows already what changes he wants to make - or not makefrom the coaching staff to the roster now that hes had almost a full year under his belt to see what exactly he has. His team became just the second since the playoffs expanded to six teams per conference in 1990 to start 7-1 and fail to make the playoffs. Its the fifth time in six years that Lovie Smiths club has failed to make the postseason. Hes seen the respect the head coach holds in the locker room, but also the consistent failings on the offensive side of the ball that werent any different in Smiths ninth year than the previous eight. That after locking up his star running back and acquiring a top-notch receiver.So does he show the door to the coach of a 10-6 team, or does he give him a last chance with the one year remaining on his contract? Does Smith agree to come back as a lame duck, without the extension, knowing his uncertain future will be a daily question, from mini-camp, and throughout the 2013 season? If thats not good enough for Smith, in which direction does Emery go? If Smith stays, does everyone else on his staffespecially the offensive side? Or does Emery keep the status quo, extend no one, and work on simply improving the quality of the roster?What does he do about Brian Urlacher? Is it a different approach if Smith stays, and is Urlacher open to a one-year extension? Or is it now time to search for his successor in this franchises rich tradition at middle linebacker?Like Urlacher, Devin Hesters provided many highlights and thrills for Bears fans. Is that era over? Should it be?Can Jay Cutler find the long-awaited "next level" behind the incentive of playing for another contract next season? Or would the lack of personal long-term security turn into a locker room (and on-field) distraction?When the schedule got tough, the Bears couldnt keep going. Injuries played a part, yes. But when they could regain momentum and deliver knockout punches to the likes of Seattle and Minnesota, they turned into the first blows that eventually knocked these Bears from the playoffs once again.Since this team began sliding down their slippery slope on November 11, theseand otherquestions were asked more frequently, and more loudly. Emery didnt have to answer them until the book finally closed on these 2012 Bears.
It has now.
And the answers will start coming. Some may not be very popular, depending on which side of the arguments youre on. The tough decisions now begin, and well begin to learn more about the man who replaced Jerry Angelo, who so many fans were happy to see shown the door a year ago.

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