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've been impressed with Ryan Pace's moves so far in free agency, especially what he's done to improve the defense. What do you think?
Kevin T.
Waukegan, Illinois
I think Bears general manager Ryan Pace has done an excellent job of adding key free agents who are young and in the prime of their careers without breaking the bank. I'm especially glad that he hasn't thrown ridiculously huge contracts at free agents whose best days are clearly behind them like some NFL teams have done the past week or so. I especially like how Pace upgraded what many perceived as the weakest position on the team by signing inside linebackers Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman. It's going to be interesting to see what the Bears do in the draft. Pace believes in building through the draft and he has nine picks this year, which will give him some ammunition to trade up if there's someone he covets.
How is tackle Tayo Fabuluje doing with the Bears? Is Bobby Massie's signing telling us anything?
Darragh Q.
Tackle Tayo Fabuluje was very raw when the Bears selected him in the seventh round of last year's draft and he probably isn't polished enough to become an NFL starter a year later. That doesn't mean that he can't earn a spot on the 53-man roster as a backup this season. But it's not like the Bears signed free-agent Bobby Massie because they're disappointed with Fabuluje's development, if that's what you're asking. Massie is an experienced veteran who made 46 starts the last four seasons with the Cardinals. He's miles ahead of Fabuluje at this point in terms of what he can provide the Bears, and that's not a shot at Fabuluje, who has intriguing potential and excellent size.
I just watched the 30-for-30 on the '85 Bears. I understand why the focus is on Jim McMahon, the defensive line and linebackers. But why are Leslie Frazier's contributions to that season so often ignored?
Greg M.
Sunbury, Ohio
I really enjoyed the 30-for-30 on the '85 Bears and thought they did an excellent job telling the story of that team, beginning when Mike Ditka became head coach in 1982. With that said, I agree with you that they omitted a couple of storylines that should have been told. The most glaring to me was the offensive line. While the defense receives much of the credit for the Super Bowl championship—and rightfully so—the offensive line also played a key role not only in 1985 but over a four- or five-year span where the Bears were traditionally near the top of the NFL in rushing. I was also surprised they barely mentioned Leslie Frazier, a promising young cornerback who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Super Bowl XX on a trick play on special teams.
