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.
Has defensive coordinator Sean Desai decided whether he will coach from the sideline or in a coaching booth this season?
Ray T.
Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Yes, first-year defensive coordinator Sean Desai revealed Wednesday that he will operate upstairs in a coaching booth rather than on the field, explaining that while both have their strengths and weaknesses, "I like the fact that I can control more of the things. I can see all 22 [players]. I can see what I need to see. Me being able to communicate with the signal-caller on the field, that makes it much easier than it was a few years back."
It seems like the Bears have gotten off to strong starts under coach Matt Nagy. Do the numbers back that up?
Paul W.
Michigan
Yes, they do. In fact, the Bears have won six straight September games under Matt Nagy. They went 3-0 last season by beating the Lions, Giants and Falcons and defeated the Broncos, the Washington Football Team and the Vikings after dropping their first game versus the Packers in 2019. In Nagy's three seasons as coach, the Bears are 9-2 in September and have gotten off to starts of 3-1 in 2018, 3-1 in 2019 and 3-0 in 2020. The last time the Bears had a winning record after four games in three straight seasons was 1989-91.
Are the Bears going to allow Andy Dalton to audible at the line of scrimmage?
Reginald G.
Dolton, Illinois
Yes, coach Matt Nagy revealed last week that veteran quarterback Andy Dalton will be able to change the play at the line of scrimmage based off what he sees from the defense. Nagy cited a play during a recent walk-through in which that occurred, saying: "That's an advantage that a veteran quarterback [has]. He sees defenses, he recognizes it. So, I would say, yeah, if he has the ability within our system to do it, he absolutely can do that."
Chalk Talk features fan questions multiple times each week. Email your question to Larry.
