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Chalk Talk

Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans every day on ChicagoBears.com.

I think Lovie Smith taking over the defensive play calls could be very good for the Bears. How did the St. Louis Rams defense rank each year when he was defensive coordinator there?

Tim E.
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Lovie Smith led a defensive resurgence in his first season as coordinator with the Rams in 2001. St. Louis improved from 23rd to third in total yards allowed, 13th to third in run defense and 27th to 10th in pass defense en route to a Super Bowl appearance. The Rams defense permitted an average of 12 fewer points and 68 fewer total yards per game than the previous season. St. Louis ranked 13th in total defense (14th against the run and 12th versus the pass) in 2002 and 16th overall (tied for 20th against the run and 12th versus the pass) in 2003. But those numbers don’t tell the whole story. In 2003, St. Louis led the NFL with 46 takeaways, scored five defensive touchdowns and registered 42 sacks, the fourth most in the league.

What are the chances that Michael Crabtree can fall as far as No. 18 in the draft, and if he does, what are the chances of the Bears picking him?

David M.
Las Vegas, Nevada

It’s still very early in the process, but at this point the chances of Texas Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree being on the board when the Bears pick at No. 18 appear to be remote. I randomly took a look at 10 mock drafts online and Crabtree was projected to go fourth overall to the Seattle Seahawks in eight of the drafts. The other two had him going second to the St. Louis Rams and seventh to the Oakland Raiders. Of course, anything can happen. His stock could drop with a low 40 time or a poor workout. Strange things occur in the months leading up to the draft. I can tell you for a fact that at the 2007 NFL combine the Bears didn’t think there was any way that tight end Greg Olsen would still be on the board when they picked at No. 31. But he was there, and they took him. If Crabtree is somehow still available, it would be extremely difficult for the Bears to pass him up.

I was wondering about new Bears defensive backs coach Jon Hoke. Is he related to former Ball State head coach Brady Hoke?

Bill M.
San Antonio, Texas

Yes, Jon and Brady Hoke are brothers. The two played together on the Ball State football team in the late 1970s. Brady Hoke was recently named head coach at San Diego State after spending six seasons in the same capacity at Ball State, where he led the Cardinals to a 12-0 regular-season record in 2008 before they lost to Buffalo in the MAC championship game.

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