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.
What is the No. 1 area the Bears need to improve from Week 1 to Week 2?
Robert E.
Bolingbrook, Illinois
There's no doubt in my mind that eliminating the explosive plays the Bears allowed to the Rams should be their No. 1 objective heading into Sunday's home opener against the Bengals. The story of last Sunday's game in Los Angeles was Matthew Stafford's touchdown passes of 67 and 56 yards. The Bears secondary made mental mistakes on both plays that need to be cleaned up—not touching down a receiver who was on the ground and leaving a receiver wide open deep down the field.
I thought David Montgomery had a great game against the Rams. It made me wonder: who has rushed for the most yards in a Bears season opener?
Raymond K.
Aurora, Illinois
The most prolific rushing game by a Bears player in a season opener came in 1962 by Willie Galimore, who ran for 181 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries in a 30-14 win over the 49ers in San Francisco. Galimore scored on TD runs of 37 and 77 yards in the game.
Who do you think were the Bears MVPs on both sides of the ball in Sunday night's loss to the Rams?
Keith T.
Geneva, Illinois
This is the easiest question I've answered in a while. The Bears MVPs I think unquestionably were running back David Montgomery on offense and linebacker Roquan Smith on defense. Montgomery displayed quickness, speed and strength in rushing for 108 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries. It was a pretty impressive feat given that the Rams ranked third in the NFL against the run last season and didn't allow an opposing back to gain 100 yards all year. Montgomery worked on increasing his speed during the offseason and the results were evident on his 41-yard run on the Bears' second play from scrimmage. His ability to break tackles was also on display when he ran through Aaron Donald's arms on a 3-yard touchdown. Smith, meanwhile, was all over the field in leading the Bears with 11 tackles. He got beat on one pass play but generally played at the same Pro Bowl level we've grown accustomed to seeing from him the past few seasons.
Chalk Talk features fan questions multiple times each week. Email your question to Larry.
