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.
Which position group do you think is the strongest on the Bears roster?
Al M.
I'd have to say the running back position is the strongest on the Bears roster. Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen form a potent 1-2 punch, while Benny Cunningham is an excellent third-down specialist who can block, catch or run with the ball. Howard isn't flashy, but he became the first player in Bears history to rush for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first two NFL seasons. That's an impressive feat given the rich tradition of Bears running backs—one that includes Hall of Famers Gale Sayers and Walter Payton. Cohen is one of the most electrifying players I've ever seen and I believe he only scratched the surface last year. He reminds me a little of Devin Hester in terms of having the ability to score a touchdown every time he touches the ball. It's going to be fun to watch the different ways that first-year coach Matt Nagy and offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich utilize Cohen in the offense this season.
What under-the-radar player do you think could make a push and earn a starting job this summer during training camp and the preseason?
Fred P.
Rolling Meadows, Illinois
I don't hear a lot of people talking about Eric Kush. But I think the veteran offensive lineman could make a push this summer and win the starting left guard position. Kush is a journeyman—he spent the 2015 season with the Chiefs, Buccaneers, Panthers, Texans and Rams. But I thought he played well with the Bears in 2016, appearing in eight games and making four starts. He missed all of last season after tearing his hamstring, but he has recovered from that injury and is a physical, under-the-radar player who bears watching when the pads come on in training camp.
Were the Bears a candidate to be featured on "Hard Knocks" this year?
Richard S.
Oak Lawn, Illinois
No, the Bears were not a candidate for "Hard Knocks" this year because they have a new head coach. Teams that have a new head coach, have been to the playoffs in the previous two years or have appeared on "Hard Knocks" in the past 10 years are exempt. By the way, the Browns are the team that will be featured on the reality TV series this summer.
