The Bears are wrapping up their second week of organized team activities this week at Halas Hall and it's clear that one change in particular is having a positive effect.
The arrival of Brandon Marshall has given the group of receivers someone they can use as a learning tool. Marshall has done the things in the league that everyone else is striving to do.
Marshall's talent is undeniable, but what has stood out the most during the two media sessions I've witnessed is that he's very engaging with his teammates. Unlike Roy Williams last season, Marshall seems to embrace his role as the leader of the group and he backs it up with the way he works in practice. He may have made some miscues off the field, but he handles his job as a player like a professional.
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Another addition, Jason Campbell, gives the Bears a reliable backup should anything happen to Jay Cutler again. Campbell admitted it's different to be in a purely backup role, but he understands what it takes to prepare for the position. The guy has great size and a strong arm. Following Wednesday's practice he marveled at the way the Bears handle their business on the field and in the meeting rooms, giving Lovie Smith credit for the tone and atmosphere of the team.
One thing that still mystifies me is the stalemate between Matt Forte and the Bears. I heard the grumblings about his knees and maybe that's part of the problem from the team's standpoint, but they still couldn't sign him prior to last season before his most recent injury? Also, he hasn't had an ACL injury which would be considered a much more career-threatening knee problem. The only thing that makes sense is that the organization doesn't feel he's worth what other backs are getting paid, plain and simple. They don't feel they need to pay for the position perhaps because it often is not one of longevity. He will get paid thanks to the franchise tag, but it's hard to imagine that any type of long-term deal will ever get done.