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 a Bears player led the NFL in sacks? I'm hoping that Robert Quinn can join that list this season.
Alan G.
Arkansas
Since sacks became an official statistic in 1982, the only time a Bears player has led the NFL in sacks was in 1985 when Hall of Fame defensive end Richard Dent recorded 17.0 for the Super Bowl XX champions. Dent had 17.5 in 1984, but the Jets' Mark Gastineau topped the league with 22.0. Outside linebacker Robert Quinn enters Week 17 with 17.0 sacks, a half sack from tying Dent's Bears record and a half sack behind league-leader T.J. Watt of the Steelers.
How do Roquan Smith's stats compare to the two inside linebackers who were voted to the Pro Bowl ahead of him?
Pete F.
Carbondale, Illinois
Bears star Roquan Smith enters Week 17 having compiled 148 tackles, 10 tackles-for-loss, 3.0 sacks, one interception he returned for a touchdown and three pass breakups. The two inside linebackers voted to the NFC Pro Bowl squad were the Seahawks' Bobby Wagner and the Cowboys' Micah Parsons. Wagner has registered a league-leading 170 tackles with three tackles-for-loss, 1.0 sack, one interception and five pass breakups. Parsons, who often lines up as an edge rusher in the Dallas defense, has 79 tackles, 18 tackles-for-loss and 13.0 sacks.
I know the Bears had a lot of players miss the Seahawks game because of COVID. How many of them have been cleared to return this week?
Richard W.
Lake Zurich, Illinois
Players removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list this week have included defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, receiver Allen Robinson II, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, safety Tashaun Gipson Sr., tight end Jesse James, running back Ryan Nall and practice squad receiver Isaiah Coulter. The only players who remain on the COVID list are tight end Jesper Horsted and inside linebacker Joel Iyiegbuniwe.
Chalk Talk features fan questions multiple times each week. Email your question to Larry.
