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

How have the Bears fared against Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan in the past?
Donald L.
Deerfield, Illinois

Matt Ryan has won three of five games against the Bears since the Falcons selected him with the third pick in the 2008 draft out of Boston College. In those contests, he has completed 63.3 percent of his passes for 1,397 yards with five touchdowns, four interceptions and an 87.7 passer rating.

How many times have the Bears made the playoffs after they've started a season 2-0?
Bill P.
Dublin, Ohio

This year marks the fifth time the Bears have opened 2-0 since 2002 when the NFL realigned into eight four-team divisions. They've qualified for the playoffs two of the previous four times, winning the NFC North in 2006 and 2010. They went 13-3 and reached the Super Bowl in 2006 and were 11-5 and beat the Seahawks in the divisional playoffs before losing to the Packers in the NFC Championship Game in 2010. Their other 2-0 starts came in 2002 when they stumbled to a 4-12 record and in 2013 when they finished 8-8.

Robert Quinn had an immediate impact at the start of the Giants game, which was awesome. But it appeared he was limited to third down and pass-rushing plays with Barkevious Mingo getting the bulk of the load. Am I just imaging that? Is he being worked in slowly or will this be his role going forward?
Mark L.
Haslet, Texas

The Bears did have Robert Quinn and Barkevious Mingo share the workload against the Giants, but their playing time was virtually even, with Mingo on the field for 27 snaps compared to 25 for Quinn. It was Quinn's first game back since recovering from an ankle injury, so I'm sure that was a factor in him being eased back into action. We'll just have to wait and see whether Quinn continues to share time with Mingo, but the Bears traditionally like to rotate their outside linebackers. They're also high on Mingo's playmaking ability, so it wouldn't surprise me to see them both continue to be utilized.

I don't have a question, sir. I'm sending this to you to pass on to the family of Gale Sayers to say with my deepest sorrow with the news of Gale's passing. I was a baseball fan and really didn't know too much about football at 13 years old in 1965. But my family and relatives were Bears fans. Gale Sayers changed that passion to football and because of him alone, I became a Bears fan. It was amazing to watch him play; every time he touched the ball, I had a feeling he would take it all the way! He had such class as a player and after his career ended. It's truly a sad day, but I will always be grateful for the happiness he gave everyone. God bless the character and example he showed on and off the field.
Gary P.
Amboy, Illinois

Well said, Gary. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Gale Sayers and his Hall of Fame career with the Bears.

Chalk Talk features fan questions multiple times each week. Email your question to Larry.