Chalk Talk | Chicago Bears Official Website

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses recent trades of top picks in the draft, teams that have never had the No. 1 overall choice and where the Bears rank in strength of schedule for 2023.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses a team record the Bears can eclipse Sunday, if the Vikings have anything at stake in the game and the last time the Bears closed a season by hosting Minnesota.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses whether he thinks Justin Fields should start the last two games, how often the Bears have played on New Year's Day and how close the Bears are to setting a team rushing record.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses why the Bears placed Jaylon Johnson on injured reserve, how the Bears could land the No. 1 pick in the draft and why Alex Leatherwood played sparingly against the Bills.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses which NFL teams have two first-round picks in the 2023 draft, which teams would jump the Bears in the draft if they finish with the same record and more.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses why the Bears passed up a field goal attempt from the 30-yard line Sunday, what transpired on Jalen Hurts' 22-yard TD run and why the Bears tried an onside kick with 2:43 to play.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses Justin Fields' pursuit of the NFL record for rushing yards in a season by a quarterback, the possibility of right guard Teven Jenkins getting reps at tackle and more.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses what the Bears will focus on in their final four games, Chase Claypool learning the offense and players who have produced a rushing, passing and receiving TD in a game.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses why the Bears chose to receive the opening kickoff and not defer until the second half against the Packers, self-scouting during their bye week and why they called timeout late in the first half versus Green Bay.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the last Bears player who excited the fan base like Justin Fields has, how former Bears defensive players are faring with other teams and issues with tackling against the Jets.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the likelihood of tackle Alex Leatherwood playing Sunday against Green Bay, Bears-Packers trades and how rookie middle linebacker Jack Sanborn's stats compare to Roquan Smith's.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses why right guard Teven Jenkins was active but didn't play in Atlanta, if a quarterback has ever finished among the NFL's top five rushers and if former Bears QB Bobby Douglass once threw a TD pass with a broken arm.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses whether Kyler Gordon's roughing-the-passer penalty was warranted, why the Bears opted to attempt a 56-yard field goal in Atlanta and rookie Jack Sanborn's future role with the Bears.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses which former Bears players are with the Falcons, if a quarterback has ever rushed for 100 yards in three straight games and who previously held the Bears record for longest TD run by a quarterback.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses how the Bears will replace injured running back Khalil Herbert, quarterbacks with a 50-yard TD run and pass in the same game and why Lions CB Jeff Okudah wasn't penalized for knocking down Cole Kmet.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the last quarterback to lead the Bears in rushing for a season, which player is relaying play calls in the defensive huddle and Justin Fields' time in the 40-yard dash at the 2021 Combine.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses what Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said to Justin Fields during Sunday's game, quarterbacks who've rushed for 1,000 yards in a season and Chase Claypool playing 26 snaps in his first Bears game.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses why the Bears dealt linebacker Roquan Smith to the Ravens, the morale in the locker room after two veteran leaders were traded and if the Bears named a new captain to replace Smith.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses how many 2023 draft picks the Bears have after the Robert Quinn trade, the No. 1 factor that has enabled Cairo Santos to resurrect his career and the art of deflecting passes at the line.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the best Bears interception he's ever seen, how many teams have defeated both Tom Brady and Bill Belichick the past few seasons and the most rushing yards by a Bears quarterback in a game.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses whether more blitzes against the Commanders was a shift in philosophy or opponent specific, the Bears' red-zone offense and how the defense is preparing for Monday night's game without knowing who the Patriots will start at quarterback.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses what was to blame for the Bears' red-zone issues against the Commanders, the likelihood of Velus Jones Jr. being replaced on punt returns and if N'Keal Harry will face the Patriots?

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses how the Bears have performed in Thursday games, how the Bears are handling their short week and the factors that determine whether the Bears bring a kickoff return out of the end zone.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses what the return of receiver N'Keal Harry could mean for the Bears offense, corrections for the quarterback bootleg runs the defense allowed against the Giants and how Matt Eberflus has fared versus the Vikings.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses whether the Bears are going to begin deploying Velus Jones Jr. on offense, run/pass balance in the red zone and the last player to get released after scoring all of the Bears' points in a game.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the most yards the Bears have ever rushed for in a game, if Lucas Patrick will be moved to center this week and a coaching point on Justin Fields' 29-yard run against the Texans.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses why Lucas Patrick started ahead of Teven Jenkins at right guard Sunday, what quarterback Justin Fields can do to improve his game and if a Texans interception should have been overturned.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses coach Matt Eberflus' philosophy on blitzing, why Jaylon Johnson didn't switch spots with Kyler Gordon against the Packers and rookie Dominique Robinson's playing time.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses why Jaylon Johnson wasn't targeted much by the Packers, if the Bears plan to get Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet more involved on offense and if a switch could be coming on the offensive line.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses whether the Bears will target receiver Darnell Mooney more, if the Bears have tapped into offensive coordinator Luke Getsy's knowledge of the Packers and the likelihood of Khalil Herbert supplanting David Montgomery as the starting running back.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses why rookie Trenton Gill was flagged for bringing a towel onto the field against the 49ers, Cairo Santos' two missed extra points and why Justin Fields wore gloves in the season opener.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the key to the Bears winning their season opener, how the steady rain that's expected Sunday could affect the game and the difference between a player being waived and released.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the Bears waiver pickup who will make the biggest impact this season, the waiver process and if any players the Bears released were signed by other teams.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses what accounts for the Bears' reduction in penalties this preseason, how the defense will fare this season and the last time the Bears had an undefeated preseason.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses who he thinks will start the season opener at right guard, the departure of second-year receiver Dazz Newsome and the chances of backup quarterback Trevor Siemian getting first-team reps.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses rookie linebacker Jack Sanborn's chances of making the Bears' 53-man roster where offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will coach from during games and the battle for the No. 2 receiver spot.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses who could be the Bears' best fantasy football player, the most fun individual matchup to watch in training camp and if the Bears can put receiver N'Keal Harry on the PUP list.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the Bears' most improved player, the competitors for the punt and kickoff return jobs and the undrafted free agent who has made the biggest impact as a Bears rookie over the last 50 years.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses how rookie safety Elijah Hicks has performed in training camp, the player he's most interested to watch practice in pads and how aggressive coach Matt Eberflus will be on fourth down.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses who stood out in the Bears' first training camp practice, how much of a boost veteran offensive linemen Riley Reiff and Michael Schofield will provide and whether it's better to have the NFL's No. 1 offense or defense.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the Bears rookie who could make the biggest impact, an under-the-radar signing who could emerge as a regular contributor and the last time the Bears played four of their last five games at home.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discussed whether Cairo Santos is the most accurate kicker in Bears history, a player who will have a breakout season and if it's been decided how much starters will play in preseason games.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses whether rookie Braxton Jones will be ready to start at left tackle in Week 1, how cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. has fared in practice and the passing of longtime Bears reporter John Mullin.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the Bears' most underrated player, how rookie receiver Velus Jones Jr. has looked in practice and if Teven Jenkins could be moved from tackle to guard.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the Bears' best comeback victory, the unquestioned leader of the Bears defense and if the Bears can sign USFL players.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses expectations for second-year receiver Dazz Newsome, where former Bears players would be drafted today and the longest pass in team history.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the importance of team captains, the best players drafted by the Bears after the seventh round and if this year's Week 14 bye is the latest in Bears history.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the top undrafted free agents in Bears history, the quarterbacks who participated in rookie minicamp and punters the Bears have drafted.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses whether any mock drafts nailed the Bears' second-round picks, the last time the Bears chose DBs with their first two draft choices and the players taken with the selections the Bears traded to move up to take Justin Fields.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses how many times the Bears have not had a first-round draft pick, if the Bears plan to cut receiver Byron Pringle after his arrest and why coach Matt Eberflus wore a No 90 jersey at last Saturday's Cubs game.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the best draft class in Bears history, coach Matt Eberflus' involvement with the offense and which positions Larry would address with the Bears' two second-round picks if every draft prospect had the same grade.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses whether the Bears will conduct joint practices with another team during training camp, an update on Mrs. Virginia McCaskey and Bears players whose numbers are retired but aren't in the Hall of Fame.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the uniform numbers new Bears players will wear, the possibility of drafting an edge rusher and the likelihood of the Bears picking a developmental quarterback late in the draft.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the possibility of the Bears trading down in the second round of the draft, if any offseason workouts or open to fans and the best second-round picks in team history.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the Bears' left tackle situation, how many of their own unrestricted free agents the Bears have re-signed and who's serving as the Bears' lead contract negotiator during free agency.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the likelihood of the Bears acquiring cornerbacks in free agency and the draft, if they're trying to trade veteran quarterback Nick Foles and if they've ever played an overtime playoff game.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the likelihood of the Bears drafting a receiver in the second round, if the Bears have closed the door on signing Larry Ogunjobi and if GM Ryan Poles will continue to look to address the offensive line.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses general manager Ryan Poles' draft philosophy, if the Bears will receive a compensatory draft pick for hiring Poles and how many players are permitted on NFL rosters during the offseason.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses why the Bears did not receive any compensatory draft picks, Bears free agents who have signed with other teams and the longest tenured Bears player.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses when NFL teams can begin negotiating with unrestricted free agents, how the fastest prospects at the Combine have fared in the NFL and Bears Pro Bowl return specialists.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses his main takeaway from last week's NFL Combine, when the NFL is expected to release is 2022 regular-season schedule and the fastest 40 time recorded by a Bears player at the Combine.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses which position group he's most eager to see work out at the NFL Combine, why a position on the defensive line is referred to as a "three technique" and if the Bears have decided whether Larry Borom will play guard or tackle. 

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the value of the three-technique defensive tackle in the Bears' new 4-3 defense, if the Bears have all of their 2023 draft picks and how officials spot a punt that sails out of bounds.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses what set Matt Eberflus apart from the other candidates who were vying for the Bears' head-coaching job, the possibility of acquiring additional draft picks and if the Bears plan to rebuild or reload in 2022.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses new Bears coach Matt Eberflus' plan to reduce penalties, receivers who teamed with quarterback Justin Fields at Ohio State and games the Bears will play in 2022 against first-year head coaches.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses whether the Bears will transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense, if new coach Matt Eberflus will call defensive plays and the role analytics will play under new general manager Ryan Poles.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the possibility of Vic Fangio returning as Bears defensive coordinator, who is handling personnel decisions without a general manager in place and the contract status of Bears 2021 draft picks.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses Bears players who are due to become free agents, NFL single-season records that were set or tied in Week 18 and the current status of Bears assistant coaches.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses how many picks the Bears have in the 2022 draft, where the Bears rank in strength of schedule next season and the biggest surprise of the 2021 campaign.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the last time the Bears led the NFL in sacks, how many times the Bears have closed the season in Minnesota and if this year is the NFL's first 18-week season.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses which teams the Bears will play next season, the last time they did not allow a touchdown in a game and Bears players who've appeared in each of the first 16 games this season.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the last Bears player to lead the NFL in sacks, how Roquan Smith's stats compare to the two inside linebackers who made the Pro Bowl ahead of him and Bears players who were removed from the COVID list this week.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses whether the Bears have discussed shutting down Justin Fields for the rest of the season, when Matt Nagy decided to go for a two-point conversion in Seattle and why the Bears retained possession after Bruce Irvin's 15-yard penalty.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the best trade in Bears history, if Damiere Byrd will return punts if Jakeem Grant can't play Sunday in Seattle and the latest regular season finale the Bears have played.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the likelihood that rookie cornerback Thomas Graham Jr. earned a starting job with his impressive NFL debut, the penalty Teez Tabor drew against the Vikings and why Jesper Horsted doesn't get more playing time.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses how the Bears have performed against Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, if the Bears should select a cornerback with their first pick in the 2022 draft and the Bears' last game at Wrigley Field.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the likelihood of Robert Quinn establishing a new Bears sack record, the last time a Bears player scored TDs on a kick return and a reception in the same game, and reinforcements for a depleted defensive line.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the Bears' last trick play prior to Sunday against the Cardinals, the last time a Bears quarterback recorded multiple TD passes and tackles in a game and the likelihood of rookie receiver Dazz Newsome getting a chance to play.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses how rookie Larry Borom has performed in four starts at right tackle, a rule that impacted where the ball was spotted after a punt in Detroit and how the Bears have fared after winning on Thanksgiving.

Senior writer Larry Mayer discusses the latest news on Justin Fields' rib injury, if the Bears are considering placing Roquan Smith on injured reserve after he hurt his hamstring against the Lions and the last time the Bears made a game-winning field goal as time expired.