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 think I speak for most Bears fans when I say that the losses last year were less frustrating because of all the evidence that things were progressing in a new direction. What do you find to be the strongest evidence this year that the rebuilding plan is still moving forward?
Craig H.
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
To me, the whole key to a successful rebuilding process is getting your top draft picks the experience and confidence that will enable them to form a strong core capable of competing for a championship. The problem with this season is that so many of them are hurt and therefore they're not developing the way the Bears need them to. The top four picks in 2015 have all been injured (Kevin White, Eddie Goldman, Hroniss Grasu and Jeremy Langford) and top 2016 selection Leonard Floyd hasn't able to stay healthy. The good news is that Floyd had a breakout game last Thursday night in Green Bay, Langford appears close to returning and other young players such as Jordan Howard and Cameron Meredith have emerged as playmakers.
Before Leonard Floyd, who was the last Bears rookie to score a defensive touchdown?
Lee G.
Elmhurst, Illinois
Last Thursday night in Green Bay Leonard Floyd became the first Bears rookie to score a touchdown on defense since Sept. 26, 1993 when linebacker Myron Baker returned a fumble eight yards in a 47-17 win over the Buccaneers in what was Dave Wannstedt's first victory as Bears coach. Linebacker Michael Lowery and cornerback Zack Bowman also scored touchdowns as rookies in 1996 and 2008, respectively, but both came on special teams when they recovered muffed punts in the end zone.
Since the hiring of Marc Trestman, it seems that when the Bears take a lead into halftime they end up losing the game. What is the Bears record in those situations?
Omar H.
Chicago
The Bears are only 1-2 when leading at halftime this season, but they were 8-1 in Marc Trestman's two seasons and 4-1 last year under John Fox. In Lovie Smith's nine seasons, the Bears were 58-10 when leading at the break.
