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 like Jay Cutler struggles on prime-time TV. What is his all-time record when playing on Monday night for the Bears?
Jacquel G.
Orlando, Florida
Jay Cutler actually has performed very well on Monday Night Football, compiling a 7-2 record since joining the Bears in 2009. In those games he's completed 170 of 280 passes for 1,989 yards with 18 touchdowns, six interceptions and a 94.8 passer rating. Cutler has recorded wins over the Vikings in 2009 and 2010, the Packers in 2010, the Eagles in 2011, the Cowboys in 2012, the Lions in 2012 and the Jets in 2014. His losses have come versus the Lions in 2011 and the Saints in 2014.
I thought Shea McClellin was making a lot of progress before he hurt his knee. Any word on whether he will return Monday night against the Chargers?
Todd F.
Oceanside, California
Shea McClellin returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday, so the good news is that he's making progress. Speaking with reporters, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio estimated that McClellin's chances of playing Monday night are 50/50. Coach John Fox said that the defense has missed McClellin's presence, saying: "He's new to the position. We moved him to inside linebacker, but he was really coming along. From a communication standpoint, a lot of things they communicate both verbally and visually, he was in charge of. You always miss that a little bit, kind of like when we had Antrel Rolle out."
How have the Bears fared against the Chargers since Philip Rivers became their quarterback?
Mike G.
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Philip Rivers has split two all-time meetings with the Bears. In the 2007 season opener, he completed 22 of 31 passes for 190 yards with one interception and a 73.3 passer rating in a 14-3 win over the Bears in San Diego. LaDainian Tomlinson threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Gates on a halfback option play in that game. In 2011, Rivers connected on 21 of 31 passes for 280 yards with two TDs, two interceptions and a 90.8 passer rating in a 31-20 loss to the Bears at Soldier Field. That game was notable because Jay Cutler broke his thumb while trying to make a tackle on an interception and missed the final six games of the season.
