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'm sure the Bears and Packers have played a ton of important games, so where do you think Sunday's contest ranks among them?
Dave D.
Franklin Park, Illinois
I'd say that Sunday's winner-take-all NFC North showdown is the third biggest game in the long Bears-Packers rivalry. The first two are the only two post-season meetings between the teams, with No. 1 being the 2010 NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field. It's obviously the only time a trip to the Super Bowl was on the line in a Bears-Packers match-up. The second biggest game between the rivals was the first divisional playoff game in NFL history in 1941. The two teams had both finished with 10-1 records and split their season series. The Bears recorded a 33-14 win at Wrigley Field and then beat the New York Giants 37-9 the following weekend for the NFL title. It's hard to believe, but Sunday's game is the first season finale between the teams that will determine a division championship. Let's hope it goes like the game in 1941 and not the one in 2010.
I noticed that Jay Cutler and Josh McCown have combined for more than 4,000 yards. When was the last time the Bears had over 4,000 passing yards in a season?
Preston
Jay Cutler (2,395) and Josh McCown (1,829) have combined to pass for 4,224 yards this season, the second most in Bears history. The only time the Bears have compiled more yards through the air was in 1999 when they compiled 4,352 yards with quarterbacks Shane Matthews (1,645), Cade McNown (1,465) and Jim Miller (1,242).
With Brandon Marshall, Alshon Jeffery and Matt Forte all on pace to eclipse the 1,300-yard mark, when was the last time that happened in the NFL?
Steve M.
Highland Park, Illinois
Matt Forte needs 71 yards rushing and Brandon Marshall needs 79 yards receiving in Sunday's season finale against the Packers to reach 1,300 yards in their respective categories. Alshon Jeffery already has 1,341 yards receiving. If Forte and Marshall both reach that plateau, the Bears would be the first NFL team with three players over 1,300 yards since the 2000 Broncos with running back Mike Anderson (1,487 yards) and receivers Rod Smith (1,602) and Ed McCaffrey (1,317).
