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.
Who do you think is the most underrated player on the Bears roster?
Nicholas P.
Glyn Ellyn, Illinois
If you're talking about a player who did his job consistently well without receiving much fanfare I would go with veteran running back Benny Cunningham. He quietly tied Sherrick McManis for the Bears lead with 12 special teams tackles and contributed on offense seemingly whenever called upon. Cunningham excelled in pass protection as a third-down back and also caught 20 passes for 240 yards and two touchdowns, including a 38-yard TD from Pat O'Donnell on a fake punt against the Vikings. In addition, Cunningham rushed for 29 yards on nine carries and averaged 21.0 yards on seven kickoff returns. Plus, he is a highly-respected veteran leader, especially by young teammates Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen in the running back room.
When was the last time the Bears had two 100-yard rushers in the same game? I know it's a difficult feat, but I could see Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen doing it at some point.
Ryan T.
Chicago Heights, Illinois
The last time that happened was on Nov. 10, 1985 when Walter Payton rushed for 105 yards and Matt Suhey ran for 102 yards in a 24-3 win over the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. The Bears have had two 100-yard rushers in the same game a total of four times in their history. Payton was involved on three occasions—with Suhey in the aforementioned game as well as a 1983 contest with the Buccaneers and with Roland Harper in a 1978 game against Tampa Bay. The first time the Bears had two 100-yard rushers in the same contest was on Nov. 6, 1955 when Rick Casares and Watkins both gained 115 yards in a 52-21 win over the Packers at Wrigley Field.
Who was the last Bears player to record at least 10 sacks in a season?
Dave O.
Fort Myers, Florida
Willie Young was the last Bears player to reach double digits in sacks when he registered 10 in 2014. The past three seasons the defense has been led in sacks by Lamarr Houston with 8 in 2015, Young with 7.5 in 2016 and Akiem Hicks with 8.5 this past season.
