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.
It seems to me that the Bears have a very difficult time winning when they don't score a defensive touchdown. What is their record when they don't score on defense?
Paul K.
Oak Lawn, Illinois
It certainly has been much tougher for the Bears to win when their defense doesn't score a touchdown. Over the past two seasons, they're 8-1 in games in which their defense gets into the end zone and 8-12 when their defense doesn't score. That's a pretty amazing stat that shows how dependent the Bears have been on their defense not only stopping opponents but scoring TDs.
It looked to me like Jay Cutler got shoved in the back by a Vikings player on Minnesota's first interception return. Why wasn't a penalty flag thrown for an illegal block?
Steve D.
Baltimore, Maryland
I couldn't agree more. I have no doubt that Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen shoved Jay Cutler in the back on Josh Robinson's interception return and should have been penalized.
I know that Lovie Smith dominated the Packers early in his career, but is it true that he now has a losing record against the Bears' biggest rival?
Ryan J.
Rockford, Illinois
Yes, it is true. Lovie Smith was 7-3 against the Packers in his first five seasons as Bears coach from 2004-08, but has since lost seven of eight, dropping his career record versus Green Bay to 8-10. The Bears have lost five straight to the Packers, including the 2010 NFC Championship Game. Here's hoping the Bears are able to reverse that trend Sunday at Soldier Field. If the Packers win that contest, they'll clinch the NFC North title.
