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 enjoyed seeing the Bears get their running game going against the Chargers. Did they have those I-formation plays already in the playbook or did they have to install them during the week leading up to the game?
Paul R.
Wheeling, Illinois
The I-formation plays the Bears ran last Sunday against the Chargers have been in the playbook since Matt Nagy became coach last year; it was just a matter of dusting them off and utilizing them. The Bears don't have a fullback on their roster, but tight end J.P. Holtz did a good job of serving as the blocking back in those situations. Here's what coach Nagy said about having those I-formation plays in the playbook: "We've always had the two-back stuff in our offense. At times if we needed to use it, we would use it. The I-formation has always been there. It's kind of phased itself out in this offense. But in times like this when you feel like you're having success, then maybe you bring it back and test it out. And that's what we did last week. So it's there."
How many former Bears are on the Eagles?
Ross R.
Hollywood, Florida
There are three former Bears on Philadelphia's 53-man roster: Receiver Alshon Jeffery, running back Jordan Howard and backup quarterback Josh McCown. Cornerback Cre'Von LeBlanc is on injured reserve. The Eagles coaching staff includes former Bears assistants Mike Groh (offensive coordinator) and Carson Walch (receivers) and former Bears defensive end Phillip Daniels (defensive line).
When was the last time the Bears won three straight games and then lost three in a row?
Allen G.
Youngstown, Ohio
This is the first season the Bears have followed three straight wins with three consecutive losses since 2011 when they won five straight games and then lost five in a row. The key factor then was a thumb injury that sidelined quarterback Jay Cutler. The Bears improved to 7-3 in the game he was injured but then fell to 7-8 and out of playoff contention as the offense sputtered under second-stringer Caleb Hanie, who was replaced following the fourth straight loss by Josh McCown.
