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 believe the keys to beating the Vikings are to stop their running game and to keep a clean pocket for Mitchell Trubisky. What do you think?
Brad
Trinity, Florida
Playing against a good Vikings team that's fighting for its playoff lives in a hostile environment—U.S. Bank Stadium is among the loudest in the NFL—there's even a smaller margin for error than in most games. As a result, it's absolutely critical for the Bears to win the turnover battle and avoid negative plays such as giveaways, sacks and penalties. I'm confident that the Bears defense will once again perform at a high level, but the offense also needs to execute and limit mistakes if the Bears are going to beat the Vikings. Mitchell Trubisky did a great job and showed a lot of growth in taking what the 49ers defense gave him and not forcing the ball into coverage in last Sunday's win over San Francisco. Another strong effort like that seemingly would greatly enhance the Bears' chances of winning their regular-season finale and finishing with a 12-4 record.
How many tackles does Roquan Smith need against the Vikings to set the Bears rookie record?
Paul K.
Arizona
With 116 tackles this season, linebacker Roquan Smith needs nine stops Sunday against the Vikings to break Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher's team rookie record of 124 tackles set in 2000. Smith has already surpassed three former Bears Pro Bowl defenders on that list in safety Mike Brown (102 tackles in 2000), cornerback Charles Tillman (86 in 2003) and linebacker Lance Briggs (78 in 2003).
How many Bears players have interceptions this year?
Micah
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Eleven different Bears players have interceptions this season, the most in the NFL. Kyle Fuller leads the team with seven, followed by Eddie Jackson with six and Prince Amukamara with three. Bryce Callahan, Adrian Amos and Danny Trevathan have two apiece, while Khalil Mack, Aaron Lynch, Leonard Floyd, Roquan Smith and Sherrick McManis have one each. The Bears lead the NFL with 27 interceptions, three more than they totaled the previous three seasons combined.
With the playoff-bound Bears closing the regular season Sunday in Minnesota, senior writer Larry Mayer ranks their top 10 moves of 2018:
10. Bears sign receiver Taylor Gabriel:
Gabriel has excelled in his first season with the Bears, compiling 63 receptions for 627 yards two touchdowns.
9. Bears sign tight end Trey Burton:
A reserve with the Eagles, Burton has thrived as the Bears' No. 1 tight end, catching 49 passes for 536 yards and six touchdowns, second most on the team.
8. Bears sign receiver Allen Robinson II:
Rebounding from a torn ACL he sustained in last year's season opener with the Jaguars, Robinson has caught 55 passes for a team-high 754 yards and four TDs.
7. Bears trade up to draft Anthony Miller:
The Bears moved up in the second round of the draft to select Miller, who leads the team with seven touchdown receptions while catching 33 passes for 423 yards.
6. Bears draft Roquan Smith:
Selected by the Bears with the eighth pick in the draft, Smith has developed into an impact player, leading the defense with 116 tackles and ranked third with five sacks.
5. Bears match contract offer to Kyle Fuller:
Tied for the NFL lead with seven interceptions, Fuller has had a career year after the Bears matched a four-year contract offer he signed with the Packers.
4. Bears trade for Khalil Mack:
Pace landed the star outside linebacker in a blockbuster trade with the Raiders and Mack promptly was named NFC defensive player of the month for September.
3. Bears retain Vic Fangio as defensive coordinator:
Seeking to maintain continuity on the defensive side of the ball, Nagy retained coordinator Vic Fangio, whose defense went from good in 2017 to great in 2018.
2. Bears hire Matt Nagy as head coach:
Pace's best move no doubt was hiring Nagy, who has brought a positive new vibe to Halas Hall and become the first head coach to lead the Bears to a post-season berth in his first year since 1956.
1. Bears re-sign general manager Ryan Pace:
Bears ownership committed to Pace, signing him to a two-year extension Jan. 1. After a remarkably successful offseason, Pace is a leading contender for NFL executive of the year.
