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.
Has Cairo Santos surpassed Robbie Gould as the most accurate field goal kicker in Bears history?
Steve G.
Frankfort, Illinois
Yes, Cairo Santos is the most accurate kicker in Bears history, having made 92.2 percent of his field goal attempts (59 of 64). Santos connected on 1 of 2 in two games with the Bears in 2017, 30 of 32 in 2020 and 26 of 30 in 2021. Over the last two years, Santos made 40 straight field goals, a team record and tied for the third longest streak in NFL history. Robbie Gould made 85.4 percent of his field goals (276 of 323) during 11 seasons with the Bears from 2005-15. The two kickers are set to square off in this year's season opener when the Bears host the San Francisco 49ers Sept. 11 at Soldier Field.
Which Bears player do you think will have a breakout season this year?
Ross P.
Indiana
The first player who comes to my mind is tight end Cole Kmet. While the 2020 second-round pick had an impactful second season last year, more than doubling his rookie totals with 60 receptions for 612 yards, I think he'll top those numbers while also becoming more of a red-zone threat (he didn't catch any TD passes last year). Kmet played with four different quarterbacks in his first two seasons and seems to be developing a rapport with Justin Fields, with the two having worked together at Halas Hall and on their own in Atlanta (along with receiver Darnell Mooney).
How will the Bears handle using their starters in preseason games?
David D.
Oswego, Illinois
After concluding their offseason program June 16, Bears coach Matt Eberflus told reporters that no decision has yet been made about how much starters will play in the team's three preseason games. Here's Eberflus' complete answer: "That's been discussed several times and we have not come to that conclusion yet. So, we'll work through that. We want to see the development of the players and it might be on an individual basis to start that off. So, we'll see, and I'll visit with the other head coaches to see what they're doing and go from there to see if we can pair it up the right way. So, we'll talk about that."
