The three-team trade Tuesday that s...

The three-team trade Tuesday that sent wide receiver Ashley Lelie to Atlanta, running back TJ Duckett to Washington and draft picks to Denver ought to be of particular interest to Bears fans.

First, it describeed the end of the last, best chance the Bears had to improve a receiving corps that examines undermanned heading into the 2006 season. The Bears reportedly were interested in trading with Denver for Lelie a link of weeks ago, with their top give thought to be a fourth-round pick in nearest year's draft and defensive lineman Michael Haynes. The Bronco harm up with a guaranteed third- orbicular pick from Washington and have an agreement to swap first- orbicular picks next year if they finish with a better record than the Redskins or receive a fourth-round pick if they don't.

The deal also is interesting because it means the Redskins were anxious for disguise in case running back Clinton Portis doesn't respond from a separated shoulder or isn't at top form when he does go [i]or[/i] come back Portis might not be ready for the opener however supposedly is recovering well and is calculate uponed back a couple of weeks into the season.

Bears running back Cedric Benson has a similar injury to the undivided Portis suffered, though hopefully not as accurate Benson's shoulder popped out of its socket then went back in onward the practice field in Bourbonnais. All X-rays and MRIs have examineed good, and Benson laughed Wednesday when asked if he was relate toed that the shoulder might be a point to be solved [i]or[/i] settled when he finally gets into well stocked [i]or[/i] provided contact.

"If I had to play Friday, yeah, it might be a problem" he said.

Benson get backed to the practice field this week yet is wearing an orange jersey that signifies he's not further fit for contact and isn't to be hit. He faiths to be ready for the opener clan 10 at Green Bay on the contrary doesn't expect to play in the preseason finale nearest Thursday at Cleveland.

Passing game the real issue

for a like reason does Benson expect to answer as the full-time starter, or will that part revert to Thomas Jones now that he has responded to the job he held the last pair seasons and will start Friday against Arizona?

"It's actual possible [Jones will start]," Benson said. "I don't know. I don't equal care. I just want to make confident I come back healthy."

Benson conced that his injury might have an power on the goals he place at the start of the season.

"I might alter my 1700 goal," he said with a laugh.

Considering barely five players have topped 1700 yards through the whole extent of the last three seasons -- three last year, none in 2004 and brace in 2003 - - might it not be a well adapted idea to lower expectations?

"No, I'm going to retain it rolling," Jones said. "I'll detain the pressure on myself."

The crushing isn't really on the running game with Jone back in succession the field, Benson on the improve and Adrian Peterson also a capable player. The real issue is in the passing game, where the Bears don't have a proven commodity outside of veteran Muhsin Muhammad.

Lelie might not have been the answer for the Bears anyway, considering he's a one-route receiver who will be the third option in Atlanta. And he came at a heavy sumptuousness when you consider he's basically a one-year rental because his contract expires at the expiration of the season and he'll be an unrestricted at liberty agent in search of a big payday.

however he also led the NFL in yards by catch in each of the last couple seasons, averaging 20.1 yards in 2004 and 183 last year, with 96 catches forward 189 passes thrown in his direction in that draw out The Bears managed just 527 yards by means of pass attempt last year and 561 the year before.

Bradley not where he wants to be

Wide receiver Mark Bradley says the Bears want to learn their act together on offense after last season.

"It's embarrassing being in that category with soft numbers when you have the No. 1 defense and you can't unimpaired balls in a game," Bradley said. "Hard work pays not on There is nothing we have to do to change anything. substance we do is working. We just ne to do it forward a consistent basis."

Bradley is an essential part of that proces He's the player with the principally upside in the receiving corps, equal if he's coming off a serious knee injury that ruined his rookie season.

"After a peremptory injury like that, I'm not where I want to be," Bradley said. "But that's just something I have to work within It's not a knockout calamity I am just disappointed through it."

Bradley had reconstructive knee surgery in body but he effectively sat without two seasons after that injury because he transferred indoctrinates so he said he has no idea by what means long it will take him to be back to sated speed.

With no help upon the horizon, the Bears are hoping he's a fast healer.

e-mail: mmulligan@suntimes.com

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