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.
I see that Ka'Deem Carey is not listed among the top three running backs on the Bears depth chart. Do you think he's in jeopardy of not making the team?
Paul K.
Rockford, Illinois
I would be very surprised if Ka'Deem Carey didn't earn a spot on the 53-man roster. (I wouldn't put a lot of stock in the depth chart until the one that's released after final cuts.) I know the Bears and especially coach John Fox are very high on Carey and his ability to contribute both as a running back and on special teams. He's really improved a lot on special teams since joining the Bears as a fourth-round pick in 2014; he made an impressive tackle on a punt return in last Thursday night's preseason opener against the Broncos. Here's what Fox recently had to say about Carey: "We have that tracking device, Catapult it's called. He's always one of the higher load guys meaning his output during practice is relatively high. It says a lot about him, how he plays. His value has been as a quality guy and that part hasn't changed."
I know the main storyline in the Bears preseason opener was all about Mitch Trubisky's great performance. But was there something else in the game that impressed you?
Ross P.
Lake Villa, Illinois
I thought the Bears really performed well on defense after a rocky first drive. They gave up a field goal on Denver's initial possession after committing penalties on four straight plays, including two 15-yard infractions. The good news was that they forced the Broncos to settle for a field goal even after giving up all of those yards on penalties. After that, the defense was dominant, holding Denver scoreless while allowing just five first downs on seven possessions entering the fourth quarter. At one point the Bears stopped eight straight third-down conversion attempts. It was a very promising debut performance and hopefully one the defense will build on. Two of last year's top draft picks—first-rounder Leonard Floyd and third-rounder Jonathan Bullard—made impact plays, and I thought the defense as a whole tackled pretty well, especially for the first preseason game.
Do you think Roberto Aguayo will beat out Conner Barth for the Bears kicking job? Living in Florida and seeing some of his games, Aguayo sure hasn't been very accurate or good on long field goals.
B. Robison
Trinity, Florida
It's very hard to say. Roberto Aguayo needs to kick like he did when he was a three-time All-American at Florida State and not like he did as a Buccaneers rookie last season when he converted just 71 percent of his field goal attempts (22 of 31). If he's able to do that, he'll have a chance to unseat Connor Barth, but only time will tell.
