Tillman, after finally getting much-deserved accolades with his first Pro Bowl nod last season, had a rough camp and looks a step slower at the age of 31. The Bears' well-documented issues at safety don't appear to be any closer to being resolved. Of course, the Bears do still have difference makers on the defensive side of the ball -- even without Urlacher at 100 percent. Julius Peppers is capable of taking over games when he feels like it, but that isn't all the time. WLB Lance Briggs continues to be a blue-chip performer, but his life will be more difficult if Nick Roach, not Urlacher, is called upon to man the middle. The club continues to look for more consistency along the interior of the defensive line; not easily achievable with projected starter Stephen Paea, a second-round pick in 2011, missing out on valuable practice time as his recovery from an ankle injury has lasted longer than expected. All of this makes the timing of the offensive makeover all the more important. Cutler has never had a better supporting cast, nor has he had a coaching staff with which he was more comfortable. Matt Fort is ready to show Emery made the right decision by extending the talented and versatile back. Marshall looked like an absolute thoroughbred in camp, and if he can find a way to stay focused and out of trouble off the field, he should have no problem regaining his form from Denver, when he exceeded