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.
How do you think Evan Rodriguez fared in Sunday's win over the Colts?
David A.
Elk Grove, Illinois
I thought rookie fullback Evan Rodriguez did an excellent job, especially blocking in the running game against the Colts. He often lined up in an "I" formation and did a great job creating holes at the point of attack. While watching a tape of the game, I wrote Rodriguez's number down on multiple occasions. His best block probably came in the first quarter when he helped spring Matt Forte on a 32-yard run that jump-started the Bears offense after a slow start.
When was the last time the Bears scored at least 41 points in a game without the benefit of a touchdown from the defense or special teams?
Matt S.
Woodbury, Minnesota
It certainly has been a while. The Bears scored at least 41 points without a touchdown on defense or special teams Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts for the first time since Sept. 27, 1992 when they defeated the Atlanta Falcons 41-31 at Soldier Field in Mike Ditka's final season as coach. While researching your question I discovered that the Bears scored 40 points or more only once during the 11 seasons they were coached by Dave Wannstedt (1993-98) and Dick Jauron (1999-2003), and that came in Wannstedt's first win as coach, a 47-17 drubbing of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 26, 1993 in Chicago. The Bears have compiled at least 40 points in seven games under coach Lovie Smith.
I do not have NFL Network and was wondering if Thursday night's Bears-Packers game will be televised locally in Chicago. I know that has been done in the past.
Mike
Aurora, Illinois
Yes, Thursday night's Bears-Packers game will be televised locally on My 50 Chicago, otherwise known as WPWR-TV. All NFL games are broadcast on free TV in the markets of the respective teams. The only exception is when a game does not sell out and is then blacked out in the home team's market. Of course, that's not a problem with the Bears, who have sold out every game since 1984.
