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 many yards has Tarik Cohen had this season that have been nullified by penalties? It seems like he's lost a lot.
William H.
Believe it or not, Tarik Cohen has had nine big plays erased by penalties this season (interestingly on nine different teammates). In the last three games, he's had a 25-yard reception and 67-yard punt return against the 49ers, a 15-yard touchdown reception versus the Bengals and a 90-yard kickoff return against the Lions all nullified by penalties. Earlier in the season he had runs of 15, 20 and 11 yards; a 10-yard catch and a 28-yard punt return wiped out by flags.
Who was the last Bears player to be drafted in the first round and start every game as a rookie?
Josh S.
Albion, Indiana
Offensive lineman Kyle Long is the last Bears first-round draft pick to start all 16 games as a rookie. After being selected with the 20th pick in the 2013 draft out of Oregon, Long opened all 16 contests at right guard and was voted to the Pro Bowl. Cornerback Kyle Fuller came close in 2014, appearing in all 16 games with 14 starts as a rookie after being chosen by the Bears with the 14th pick in the draft out of Virginia Tech.
Why did John Fox choose not to go for a first down on fourth-and-one from his own 45 Saturday against the Lions when the Bears were 4-9?
Brad
Trinity, Florida
Coach John Fox said that he didn't want to risk giving up the field position at that point in the game—the Bears were down 6-0 with 12 minutes remaining in the second quarter. Here's what he told reporters about the decision after the game: "You do have something to lose; that's called field position. We failed to have that much of the day, largely due to our inability to move the ball, in particularly the first half. Sure, you can go for that. But it can bite you, too."
