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.
I was disappointed that Allen Robinson didn't make the Pro Bowl team. How do his stats compare to the receivers who earned spots on the NFC team?
Will P.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
If you group Allen Robinson together with the four NFC receivers who were voted to the Pro Bowl—the Saints' Michael Thomas, the Falcons' Julio Jones and the Buccaneers' Mike Evans and Chris Godwin—Robinson ranks third among the five receivers in receptions (83), fifth in yards (1,023) and fourth in touchdowns (7). So his numbers put him right with that group. I think he was definitely deserving, especially given his consistency on an inconsistent offense—and think it was a crime that Robinson wasn't even selected as an alternate for the Pro Bowl.
What player in Bears history has been voted to the most Pro Bowls?
Jonathan G.
Downers Grove, Illinois
Middle linebacker Mike Singletary was selected to a Bears-record 10 Pro Bowls. Running back Walter Payton is a close second with nine. Middle linebackers Brian Urlacher, Dick Butkus and Bill George were voted to eight Pro Bowls, as was defensive end Doug Atkins. All of the aforementioned players are in the Hall of Fame, while four of the six played middle linebacker.
I remember attending a Bears-Chiefs game in the late 1970s at Soldier Field. It was an incredible back-and-forth contest that the Bears won on a long pass at the end. What were some of the details of that game?
Robert G.
Berwyn, Illinois
You're referring to a game on Nov. 13, 1977 that the Bears won 28-27 in dramatic fashion. After the Chiefs took a 27-21 lead on Ed Podolak's 14-yard touchdown run with just :34 to play, Bob Avellini heaved a 37-yard TD pass to tight end Greg Latta with :03 remaining to lift the Bears to the victory. After a 3-5 start in 1977, it was the first of six straight wins to finish the season as the Bears earned their first playoff berth since winning the 1963 NFL title. It was also the game that featured one of the greatest runs of Walter Payton's illustrious career. He broke about seven tackles on an 18-yard run that helped the Bears rally from a 17-0 halftime deficit.
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