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 thought rookie running back Jeremy Langford looked pretty good against the Cardinals. Why didn't he get any carries last Sunday versus the Seahawks?
Steve C.
Carlsbad, California
Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase explained Thursday that he tried to get a personnel grouping with Jeremy Langford and Kyle Long on the field two or three times last Sunday in Seattle. But when the Seahawks defense didn't show the look the Bears were hoping to see, Gase went in another direction. Another issue was that the Bears only ran 46 offensive plays in Seattle compared to 71 and 62 the first two weeks of the season. In preparing for this weekend's home game against the Raiders, Gase said he hopes to give Forte, Langford and Jacquizz Rodgers opportunities to contribute. Said Gase: "We're always looking to play all three of those guys because it's a talented group. We want all three of those guys getting touches. We want to make sure that we keep Matt fresh for that second half, so that's why we do what we do with Jeremy and 'Quizz and we'll just keep trying to figure out ways to get all these guys touches."
How do the Bears feel about how Shea McClellin has performed at inside linebacker so far this season?
Matt G.
Lindenhurst, Illinois
I would say that Bears coaches are generally pleased with how Shea McClellin has played in the first three games, but they expect him to continue to improve and become an above-average player at inside linebacker. Here's what defensive coordinator Vic Fangio had to say this week about McClellin, who leads the Bears with 29 tackles: "I think he's done well in there. Is he where he's going to be? No. Do I think he's headed in the right direction? Yes. And I think he's going to be a good football player."
Did Pat O'Donnell set a team record for most punts in a game with 10 against the Seahawks?
Warren B.
Lemont, Illinois
No, he didn't. The Bears single-game record of 14 punts was set by Keith Molesworth on Dec. 10, 1933 in a 7-6 win over the Green Bay Packers at Wrigley Field. Todd Sauerbrun had the second most with 12 punts on Oct. 5, 1997 in a 20-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field.
