Bears Monday practice report -- defense stars again

It’s the age-old problem with training camp practices: when Lance Briggs intercepts Jay Cutler, is that a good play by the defense? Or a bad play by the offense?

We’ll get an indication Thursday night when the Bears play the Denver Broncos in their preseason opener at Soldier Field (7:30 p.m., Fox-32). But for now you have to take it for what it’s worth that Briggs, Nick Roach and D.J. Moore had red-zone interceptions of Cutler in Monday’s practice. Cutler responded by throwing a red-zone touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall, who made a “go-up-and-get-it” catch that will look great on Sundays. But his prime victim on the play was rookie cornerback Isaiah Frey.

The defense also had a takeaway when Tim Jennings recovered a fumble by Matt Forte. But, as Bears sideline reporter Zach Zaidman pointed out, a fumble by Forte is ”so rare.” Then again, so is a fumble recovery by Tim Jennings. But why quibble in training camp?

To the naked eye, the Bears’ offensive and defensive lines seem to be making progress — if it’s possible for both to happen in the same practice. Whether or not the Bears are ready for a real game against somebody other than their teammates, it appears they could use the outside competition. Things should pick up considerably next week after playing the Broncos.