Loviefest: Smith speaks for first time since end of ’08 season

SHARE Loviefest: Smith speaks for first time since end of ’08 season

INDIANAPOLIS–Here are a couple quick highlights from Lovie Smith’s 24 minutes meeting with media this afternoon at the combine.

*** He reiterated the Bears feel like they’re “real close.”

*** Said he would be comfortable entering the season with the quarterback depth chart as is having Caleb Hanie and Brett Basanez compete for the No. 2 job.

*** Said final review of the season showed DT Tommie Harris played better than he was credited for being in 2008.

*** Made it clear Garrett Wolfe will have the first crack at being the complementary back to Matt Forte but said he was comfortable with the workload Forte had as a rookie.

*** Expects big things from LDE Adewale Ogunleye, who is entering the final year of his contract.

*** Said the Bears got the best free agent available in new defensive line coach Rod Marinelli.

*** Said minicamp will be in mid-March because it’s the first chance for the team to do something about a disappointing season. It also allows Smith to install his defense.

Check back more a little later for further insight and analysis. Also, details from a presser with GM Jerry Angelo later today.

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