Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
I feel that Charles Tillman is the most underrated cornerback in NFL history. He has consistently played great football. Do you think the Bears will move him to safety to give him a few more years as a top defender?
Dwayne S.
I don't think that will happen, at least next season. When Charles Tillman spoke to the media Monday after tearing his right triceps the day before, he made it pretty clear that he wants to remain at cornerback, saying: "I think my athleticism is still there to play corner in this league, whether it be for the Bears or somebody else. But I still think I have some corner left in me." I personally would agree with him. Tillman keeps himself in great shape and hasn't lost a step on the field. Plus he's only 32. It's not like he's in his mid-to-late 30s yet. The big question is whether he'll return to the Bears next season. Like a slew of his teammates, he's in the final year of his contract.
Could Josh McCown be the Bears' long-term answer? McCown doesn't take the chances that Jay Cutler takes and has experience. Could he be the Bears' Rich Gannon or Kurt Warner?
Maurice S.
If the Bears believe that Josh McCown could be their long-term answer at quarterback, they're not saying. They're just happy that he's available to step in and operate the offense with starter Jay Cutler sidelined. Said coach Marc Trestman: "His position is the backup quarterback and he's a guy that we trust to go in there and we can seamlessly get the job done. We are doing the same things with Josh as we do with Jay, and everybody knows physically the things that Jay has and the skill set Jay has, which is unique. Josh certainly has a skill set that can allow us to win and help us win and I think we've seen that on two or three occasions already this year." Personally, I don't think the 34-year-old McCown is the Bears' long-term answer. But there may not be a better backup quarterback in the NFL.
When was the last the Bears were swept by the Lions in a season series?
S.J.
Minnesota
The Bears were swept by the Lions this season for the first time since 2007. Interestingly, the season series between the two teams has been a sweep nine of the last 10 years with the Bears winning both games in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012, and the Lions taking both match-ups in 2004, 2007 and this season. The two NFC North rivals split their two games in 2011.
