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, if ever, a Bears offensive lineman caught a touchdown pass?
Randy T.
Muscatine, Iowa
Bradley Sowell's 2-yard touchdown reception Sunday night against the Rams was the first by a Bears offensive lineman since Sept. 16, 2007 when tackle John St. Clair also snared a 2-yard scoring pass from Rex Grossman in a 20-10 win over the Chiefs at Soldier Field. Sunday night's game was the first in the Super Bowl era where the only touchdown was scored by an offensive lineman. Sowell is the fourth offensive lineman to catch a touchdown pass in the NFL this season, joining the Bills' Dion Dawkins, the Lions' Taylor Decker and the Steelers' Alejandro Villanueva.
I know that the Bears will clinch the NFC North with a win over the Packers Sunday. If that happens, would it also eliminate Green Bay from the playoff race?
Phillip K.
Lexington, Kentucky
Yes, Green Bay would be eliminated from the playoff hunt with a loss to the Bears Sunday. The only way the Packers would make the playoffs as a wildcard—they can no longer win the NFC North—is by winning their final three games coupled with the Panthers, Redskins and Eagles all losing once and the Vikings dropping two of their final three games. One source I saw online is estimating that the Packers have only a four percent chance of making the playoffs.
Why didn't Prince Amukamara finish his interception by continuing down field against the Rams? It would have been more yards and more time off the clock. It might have even scored. He didn't even wait to be touched when he went down. Couldn't the Rams plow into him after he got up again because he had not been touched?
Perry W.
The interception you're referring to came with 2:13 left in Sunday night's game and the Bears leading 15-6. It was actually a very smart play by Prince Amukamara because the only way the Rams could get the ball back at that point with one timeout remaining would be if he had fumbled the ball. When he gave himself up by going down to the ground, it ended the play—just like when a quarterback takes a knee in the victory formation.
