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.
What is the Bears record under Lovie Smith coming off a bye week?
Harry H.
Thousand Oaks, California
The Bears are 5-3 in games immediately following their bye week since Lovie Smith became coach in 2004. They lost in each of his first two seasons and are 5-1 since 2006, beating the 49ers 41-10 in 2006, Raiders 17-6 in 2007, Lions 27-23 in 2008, Bills 22-19 in 2010 and Eagles 30-24 in 2011. Their only loss during that span came in 2009 to the Falcons 21-14. Interestingly, the Bears won five straight in 2010 and three in a row last year after their bye.
I was at the Jacksonville game and it was hot! I read that it was the hottest Bears game since 2002 in Tampa. (I was there then as well). What's the hottest home game in Bears history?
Phil M.
Florida
Ironically, the hottest Bears home game since 1963 was against Jacksonville. It was 88 degrees at kickoff on Sept. 6, 1998 at Soldier Field when the Bears lost to the Jaguars 24-23 on Mark Brunell's four-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jimmy Smith with just :29 remaining.
I was shocked that Neal Anderson only had 14 100-yard rushing games with the Bears. I tend to remember him as a great running back. How does Anderson compare in other statistical categories among the Bears' all-time leaders?
Jeremy B.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Neal Anderson ranks second in Bears history behind Hall of Famer Walter Payton in rushing yards (6,166), yards from scrimmage (8,929) and rushing touchdowns (51). Anderson also joins Payton and Matt Forte as the only Bears players to compile at least 4,000 yards rushing and 2,000 yards receiving in their careers. In my humble opinion, I feel that Anderson is the most underrated player in Bears history. Part of that is due to that fact that he followed such a legend in Sweetness.
