5 questions facing the Bears in training camp

NFC Camp Previews
DAL | NYG | PHI | WAS
CHI | DET | GB | MIN
ATL | CAR | NO | TB
ARI | STL | SF | SEA
AFC Camp Previews
BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT
HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
DEN | KC | OAK | SD

The Chicago Bears underwent a major overhaul this offseason, with Marc Trestman and his coaching staff given their walking papers.

John Fox has replaced Trestman, with Adam Gase and Vic Fangio tasked with running the offense and defense, respectively. That's going to make training camp for the Bears all the more important this season, as both units have to get acclimated to new systems.

The defense is transitioning to a 3-4, which could have a big impact on players like Jared Allen. Chicago may be forced to use the veteran in subpackages, which will certainly be an adjustment.

On the offensive side of the ball, Jay Cutler will work with Gase in hopes of finding some sort of consistency in his game.

Here are five questions facing the Bears heading into training camp:

Will another RB step up to help Matt Forte?

Matt Forte has been a workhorse for the Bears in recent years, establishing himself as one of the league's premier three-down backs. Although he wants a new contract for his efforts, he's stated he'll be at camp on time.

The 29-year-old had 102 catches last year to go with a 1,000-yard season on the ground, but how long will he be able to maintain that type of workload? Chicago needs someone else to step up and ease the pressure.

Shockingly, Cutler was second on the team in rushing last year with a measly 191 yards. The Bears will hope free-agent acquisition Jacquizz Rodgers and second-year back Ka'Deem Carey make an impact in the preseason and beyond.

How quickly will Cutler pick up the offense?

Cutler's had more downs than ups in his career, and the Bears could be growing impatient. After giving him a lucrative contract extension last season, Chicago is going to want a return on that investment.

The challenge for the signal-caller will be learning a new system under Gase after things failed with quarterback guru Trestman. Gase's system worked wonders with the Denver Broncos - but, of course, they had some guy named Peyton Manning operating under center. The new coordinator won't find things as easy with Cutler.

Fox mentioned earlier this spring that Cutler will have to earn the job in an open competition. Nobody thinks for a second he would start Jimmy Clausen over Cutler, but Fox's message should serve as a warning. The new head coach has no loyalty to Cutler, and the quarterback is likely going to have to prove himself quickly if he wants to be with the team long-term.

What will Jared Allen's role be?

Adapting to a 3-4 may be more difficult for Allen than any other player. The pass-rusher has always played with his hand in the dirt, and moving to an outside linebacker role will certainly be an adjustment for the 33-year-old.

With Pernell McPhee and Lamarr Houston slated as starters, Allen will likely start out in subpackages and obvious pass-rushing situations. Although he likely still yearns to be an every-down player, playing less could actually put him in a better position to succeed.

Allen recorded just 5.5 sacks last season after dealing with a bad bout of pneumonia. It was the first time he failed to reach double digits since 2006. That said, he's always played with one of the best motors in the league, and keeping him fresh should produce some good results.

The Bears now have a plethora of pass-rushers, and if they can find a way to get Allen, McPhee, and Houston on the field at the same time in third-and-long scenarios, someone is going to have a very good matchup to exploit.

Who will win the No. 2 receiver job?

With Brandon Marshall off to the New York Jets, there's an opportunity for a receiver to step up and grab a starting role.

All signs point to seventh-overall pick Kevin White winning the job over free-agent acquisition Eddie Royal, given his size and athleticism. White would be a nice complement to Alshon Jeffery on the other side, and would give the Bears a pair of imposing targets.

However, don't discount the undersized Royal. The 29-year-old played with Cutler during the 2008 season in Denver and posted a career-high 91 catches for nearly 1,000 yards.

Where will Kyle Long play?

Long has bounced around during offseason workouts, spending time all over the offensive line.

Typically a right guard, the Bears have shifted him to right tackle and left tackle this spring to prepare him for different roles. Fox noted he wanted to get everyone experience playing in multiple spots. Jermon Bushrod and Jordan Mills were sidelined for portions of OTAs, so Long could have been shifted around for no other reason than to fill in for his teammates.

That said, Long is easily the team's most polished offensive lineman, and with Cutler being sacked a whopping 38 times last season, the Bears no doubt want to clean up that aspect of their game. That could mean shifting things around.