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.
Who do you think was the Bears' MVP for the first half of the season?
Paul D.
Peoria, Illinois
There were several deserving candidates on a team that has surprised a lot of people and sits on top of the NFC North with a 5-3 record at the halfway point of the season. But I'd have to say that outside linebacker Khalil Mack is the Bears MVP to this point. Even though he missed two games and was limited in two others by an ankle injury, he dominated early in the season, elevating an already good defense to an elite level. Mack was named NFC defensive player of the month for September after recording five sacks, four forced fumbles and returning an interception for a touchdown in the season opener against the Packers. Other players who could be considered include quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, running back Tarik Cohen and cornerback Kyle Fuller. All have made major contributions to the Bears' success so far this season.
When was the last time the Bears played three straight games against division opponents like they do this year?
Perry R.
Downers Grove, Illinois
Since the NFL realigned into eight four-team divisions in 2002, the Bears have played three straight games against NFC North opponents four times. Interestingly, they did it four times in the first seven seasons following realignment but have not done it since 2007. They went 0-3 in 2002, 1-2 in 2004, 3-0 in 2006 and 1-2 in 2007. In both 2004 and 2006, they opened the season with three consecutive games against division opponents. This year marks the first time that the three games are being played in a 12-day span. The last time the Bears played three games in 12 days was early last season when they lost to the Buccaneers and beat the Steelers on back-to-back Sundays before losing to the Packers on Thursday Night Football.
Who was the last Bears player to lead the NFL in interceptions?
Jack F.
Iowa
The last Bears player to lead the NFL in interceptions was Tim Jennings with nine in 2012. Three others have accomplished the feat: Hall of Famer Bulldog Turner with eight in 1942, Roosevelt Taylor with nine in 1963 and Mark Carrier with a Bears-record 10 in 1990. Entering Week 10, Kyle Fuller shared the league lead with four interceptions with the Panthers' Donte Jackson, the Falcons' Damontae Kazee and the Redskins' D.J. Swearinger.
