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.
Where did David Montgomery rank in rushing among rookie running backs?
Charles P.
Midlothian, Illinois
David Montgomery ranked second among NFL rookie rushers in both yards (889) and touchdowns (6), trailing only the Raiders' Josh Jacobs, who ran for 1,150 yards and seven TDs. The only other rookie running backs to gain at least 500 yards in 2019 were the Eagles' Miles Sanders (818) and the Bills' Devin Singletary (775). There were seven running backs selected in the first three rounds of the 2019 draft: Jacobs in the first round (at No. 24), Sanders in the second round (No. 53), and five in the third round, including Montgomery (No. 73). The other four third-rounders were the Rams' Darrell Henderson (No. 70), Singletary (No. 74), the Patriots' Damien Harris (No. 87) and the Vikings' Alexander Mattison (No. 102).
How many Super Bowl records do the Bears hold?
Fred S.
Indianapolis, Indiana
The Bears hold or share several Super Bowl records, most of them of course by the 1985 championship team. That squad holds records for most points scored in the third quarter of a Super Bowl (21), largest lead heading into the fourth quarter (44-3), fewest rushing yards allowed (7) and lowest yards per carry permitted (0.6). The 1985 Bears also share marks for most sacks (7), fewest rushing first downs allowed (1), longest scoring drive (96 yards) and most rushing touchdowns (4). Mike Singletary is tied for most fumble recoveries in a Super Bowl (2) and Henry Waechter is tied for most safeties (1). The 2006 Bears team that reached the Super Bowl shares records for most kickoff return touchdowns (1) and most points scored in the first quarter (14).
What is Akiem Hicks' contract status? When is he due to become a free agent?
Ross W.
Huntington Beach, California
Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks signed a four-year contract extension shortly before the start of the 2017 season that runs through 2021, meaning that he has two years left on the agreement before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Hicks originally inked a two-year deal with the Bears in 2016. He performed so well in his first season in Chicago that he was rewarded with the extension. Hicks then played even better in 2017, registering a career-high 8.5 sacks. He then compiled 7.5 sacks in 2018, earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl. He was limited to five games in 2019 due to knee and elbow injuries. But Hicks no doubt is motivated to rebound from the injury in 2020 and revert to his previous form.
Chalk Talk features fan questions multiple times each week.
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