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.
Which defensive players have been standing out the most so far in training camp?
Phil R.
Oak Forest, Illinois
Three defensive players have been performing at a consistently high level throughout camp in my humble opinion: outside linebacker Willie Young, inside linebacker Danny Trevathan and cornerback Tracy Porter. Young has been the Bears' best pass rusher in team drills, showing a lightning-quick first step off the edge as well as a powerful bull rush. Trevathan has brought speed and attitude to the defense and has shown a knack for diagnosing plays. And Porter has made more plays on the ball than anyone in the secondary, picking up where he left off last season.
How often have the Bears practiced with another team during the preseason?
John G.
Hobart, Indiana
The Bears will practice with the Patriots this week in New England after working with the Colts last summer in Indianapolis. The last time the Bears held joint practices with another team before that was in Lovie Smith's first year as coach in 2004 when they traveled to Western Illinois to work with the Rams, who were coached at the time by Mike Martz.
I recently read an article that started that Charles Tillman was the greatest cornerback in Bears history. Is this an accurate statement?
Eric
Omaha, Nebraska
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, of course. But I do believe that Charles Tillman is the best cornerback in Bears history, and I'm confident that his accomplishments back that up. He set a Bears record with nine defensive touchdowns and eight interception return TDs, his 36 interceptions are the most ever by a Bears cornerback and he turned forcing fumbles into an art form with his "Peanut Punch," causing an amazing 42 fumbles in 12 seasons with the Bears.
