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.
When was the last time the Bears played a team three times in the same season?
Mike B.
Springdale, Arkansas
It's happened twice in the Super Bowl era, both times when the Bears have faced a division opponent in the playoffs. In 1994, the Bears lost both regular-season games to the Vikings, 42-14 in Chicago and 33-27 in Minnesota, before they upset the Vikings 35-18 in the first round of the playoffs in Minnesota. In 2010, the Bears beat the Packers 20-17 at home and lost to Green Bay 10-3 at Lambeau Field before falling to the Packers 21-14 in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field.
If the Bears and Vikings play to a tie Sunday and Minnesota finishes with two ties, how would that impact the playoff seeds in the NFC?
Matt K.
Lake Forest, Illinois
If Sunday's game in Minnesota ends in a tie, the Bears would enter the playoffs as the third seed with an 11-4-1 record even if the Rams lose to the 49ers. The Vikings would finish 8-6-2—which the NFL considers the same as a 9-7 record—and clinch a playoff spot as the second wildcard and No. 6 seed. In that scenario, the Bears would host the Vikings in the first round of the playoffs Jan. 5 or 6 at Soldier Field.
What is the record for most wins by a first-year head coach for the Bears?
Pete
Montgomery, Illinois
Matt Nagy has set the record this season with 11 wins. George Halas led the Bears to 10 wins when he was a player/coach in the franchise's first year of existence in 1920 when the team was known as the Decatur Staleys. Halas won 10 games again including the NFL championship in 1933 when he returned after a three-year hiatus. The Bears won 11 games in 1942, but Halas coached the first five games before leaving to serve in World War II and being replaced by co-coaches Hunk Anderson and Luke Johnsos.
