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 your favorite Bears-Vikings game of all time?
Robert P.
Sacramento, California
There are a few that come to mind. The 2010 win at the University of Minnesota when the Bears clinched the NFC North title and Devin Hester broke the NFL record for kickoff return touchdowns is one. Another is a comeback victory in the 2002 season opener in Champaign when David Terrell caught a late game-winning touchdown pass from Jim Miller. But my favorite Bears-Vikings game remains the magical Thursday night contest in Minnesota in 1985 when Jim McMahon replaced Steve Fuller in the third quarter after spending two nights leading up to the game in the hospital with a back injury. McMahon threw for touchdowns on his first, second and seventh passes, turning a 17-9 deficit into a memorable 33-24 victory in the Metrodome.
I didn't think the Bears offensive line played that well Monday night against the Redskins. And I'm talking about the regular starters, not right tackle Cornelius Lucas, who found out that he was going to play shortly before the game. What does the line need to improve?
Evan C.
According to offensive coordinator Marc Helfrich, it starts with better communication and fundamentals. Said Helfrich: "Just the fundamentals of footwork, hand placement, pad level—the things that [offensive line coach] Harry [Hiestand] is unbelievable at. They didn't show up last week, for whatever reason. A lot of that was one or two guys. One guy I thought that played great was Cornelius Lucas." Coach Matt Nagy also focused on the offensive line, saying "I think we can play a little bit better there. They know that." While Nagy and Helfrich acknowledged that the line needs to improve, the unit did perform well at times in Washington, especially providing protection for Mitchell Trubisky to throw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Taylor Gabriel late in the first half as well as on a pivotal drive late in the game during which the Bears picked up three first downs and burned 5:12 off the clock while they were protecting a 31-15 lead.
Who is the Bears' longest current winning streak against?
Phil P.
Dayton, Ohio
The Bears' longest active winning streak is four games against the New York Jets, by scores of 10-0 in 2006, 38-34 in 2010, 27-19 in 2014 and 24-10 in 2018. The Bears have three straight victories over both the Steelers and Browns.
