With Peppers and Urlacher spearheading a talented cast that includes Tommie Harris and Lance Briggs

Last season Adams led Bears defensive linemen with 42 tackles while also establishing career highs with two fumble recoveries and seven tackles-for-loss. Despite that production, it seems that he once again must prove himself this summer in training camp to earn playing time.

"That's basically what you've got to do every year in this job," said Adams, who signed with the Bears in 2007 after spending his first four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. "I must be doing something right; this is year eight for me. But you can't really get too comfortable. You've just got to keep grinding."

Adams hopes to maintain his starting job, but that isn't his most pressing goal.

"I've never been to the playoffs my whole career, so I want to get to the playoffs and win the Super Bowl," he said. "However we get there, I'm not going to complain about anything. I'm just going to be who I am as a player and as a man ands just try to contribute to the team.

"It really doesn't matter. I would like to [start], but coaches coach and players play. I just try to keep everything simple, just like at nose guard: 'I got the A gap.' Just keep it simple. That's my motto."

Hustle up: Known for his non-stop motor, Adams has spotted the same quality in Peppers, who signed with the Bears in March after compiling 81 sacks in eight seasons with the Carolina Panthers.

"He's got that tenacity, he's got that won't-quit attitude," Adams said. "He's trying to get to the ball carrier every time, whether it's a wide receiver, running back or quarterback. Whoever's got the ball, he's trying to try and get him."

Peppers hasn't had to say a whole lot to impress his new teammates.

"Usually when you're new to a team you really don't say too much, you're kind of reserved," Adams said. "But he's been going about his business and putting good film together and getting to the passer and whoever has the ball. I think he's a great addition to the team."

In great shape: Adams and Peppers aren't the only defensive linemen who've performed well in training camp. Harris has also turned heads, including some who line up right next to him.

"He looks good," said defensive end Israel Idonije. "His attitude is back to where it was. He's playing hard. You watch snap-after-snap, he's the first one off the ball, and that's what we expect of him.

"He's got to be that spark in the engine for us. Every practice Lance Briggs he's done better, and by that first game in September, we'll be in great shape."

Raising his game: Winning a training camp competition with Nick Roach for the starting strongside linebacker position is only part of the challenge facing veteran Pisa Tinoisamoa.

"Although it's Nick and I, we're kind of battling to be with [fellow linebackers] Brian [Urlacher] and Lance [Briggs]," Tinoisamoa said. "We're always looked as the other guy. Everyone knows Lance, everyone knows 'Lach. Nobody knows about us and that's kind of how Nick and I feel. We're not only competing against each other, we're trying to show that we belong with these linebackers and that we can be the best in the league."

Tinoisamoa, who has been working with the No. 1 defense the  past few days, is trying to come back from a knee injury that forced him to miss all but two games last season.

Since that season, however, the defense has quickly fallen from the ranks of the elite. Smith, who has a 52-44 regular-season mark heading into his seventh year with the Bears, is hoping that a return to prominence will end talk of his job being in jeopardy.

With that thought in mind, Smith spent the offseason retooling the defense on all levels.

First, he promoted Rod Marinelli to coordinator after Smith served as his own defensive play-caller a season ago. Although Marinelli has never been a coordinator in the NFL, the fiery leader is regarded as an outstanding teacher and motivator with a wealth of experience in the Tampa 2 system that Smith prefers.

While he won't revamp the scheme, Marinelli will introduce some Lance Briggs subtle changes that should result in better play. In addition, he is focused on developing a highly-conditioned defense that flies to the ball with reckless abandon. Turnovers often occur when multiple defenders put hits on runners, so Marinelli's emphasis on getting to the ball could help the Bears force more turnovers.

Although the installation of a new coordinator has created some of the optimism, it is the addition of several playmakers that has the defense poised to bounce back.

Julius Peppers signed a six-year deal worth $91.5 million to provide a dominant presence off the edge. He has posted 81 sacks in eight seasons and is one of the most disruptive ends in the game. While his detractors have criticized him for occasionally taking plays off, his ability to create negative plays is something the Bears desperately need.

The Bears will also benefit from the return of Brian Urlacher. The six-time Pro Bowler missed 15 games last season with a dislocated wrist. The void proved too much for the team to fill. As a fluid athlete with outstanding awareness, Urlacher has been a difference-maker, posting 37.5 sacks and 17 interceptions as a middle linebacker.

With Peppers and Urlacher spearheading a talented cast that includes Tommie Harris and Lance Briggs, the Bears have the personnel to field a defense similar to the units that helped Smith secure two NFC North titles during his tenure.