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 on ChicagoBears.com.
I read in one place that the Bears are set at left tackle with Charles Leno Jr. Jr. and in others that the position is a high priority. So which one is it?
Sean
Homewood, Illinois
Although general manager Ryan Pace is always looking to improve every position, I wouldn't describe left tackle as a high priority need. Charles Leno Jr. was among the Bears' most pleasant surprises last season, joining the starting unit after Jermon Bushrod was injured early in the season and performing so well that Bushrod never got his old job back. The Bears remain high on Leno and are confident that he will continue to develop. They also believe that left tackle is his best position and have no plans to move him to another spot on the line.
Quarterback David Fales has been on the Bears a few years now and we still don't know much about him. What do we have in Fales and what was his scouting report going into the draft?
Jason P.
It's difficult to make any judgments about David Fales given that the only playing time he's received in two years with the Bears has been during the preseason. I can tell you that the Bears have been impressed with how he has performed in those exhibition games and thought so much of Fales that they elevated him from the practice squad to the 53-man roster last year when another NFL team was showing interest in signing him. When the Bears drafted Fales in the sixth round in 2014, they did so after then-quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh conducted a private workout with the quarterback in California about a week before the draft. Cavanaugh was impressed with how Fales threw the ball as well as his understanding of coverages and protections. An entry on Fales in a 2014 draft guide I found states: "Concerns about his height and arm strength will limit his appeal, but at worst should be a quality backup in a precision-matchup system."
When was the last time the Bears had an afternoon preseason game like they do this year?
Steve R.
Oak Park, Illinois
The last time the Bears played a preseason game during the day was in 1996 against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field. This year's matinee against the Kansas City Chiefs—in the all-important third preseason game—will kick off at noon on Saturday, Aug. 27 at Soldier Field. It's a great opportunity for fans to bring their kids to a game, especially because preseason tickets are more affordable and generally easier to get than those to regular-season contests.
