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.
Have the Bears ever played the Packers on Thanksgiving?
Alan B.
New Rochelle, New York
No, the Bears have never played Green Bay on Thanksgiving. They've compiled a 16-15-2 record on turkey day against the Detroit Lions (8-8), Dallas Cowboys (0-2), Dallas Texans (0-1), Chicago Cardinals (7-3-2), Chicago Tigers (1-0) and Buffalo All-Americans (0-1). The Bears have lost four straight and five of their last six games on Thanksgiving. The Bears played on Thanksgiving every year from 1920-38. After losing 34-17 last year in Detroit, they're playing on back-to-back Thanksgivings for the first time since they played three straight years from 1979-81.
I don't know much about Deonte Thompson, the player who returned kickoffs for the Bears Sunday against the Broncos. How much return experience does he have?
Matthew R.
Freeport, Illinois
In two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Deonte Thompson averaged 25.9 yards on 15 kickoff returns with a long of 49 yards in 2012 and 28.7 yards on seven kickoff returns with a long of 47 yards in 2013. Thompson, who was signed to the Bears' practice squad Sept. 22 and elevated to the 53-man roster Nov. 10, ran track in addition to playing football at the University of Florida. He entered the NFL in 2012 as an undrafted free agent with the Ravens.
Have the Bears ever made the playoffs after starting a season 0-3?
Phil R.
Bannockburn, Illinois
No, the Bears have never rebounded from an 0-3 start to earn a playoff berth. This season marks the 10th time in franchise history they opened 0-3. On the previous nine occasions, they rallied to finish with a winning record twice, 8-4 in 1955 and 9-5 in 1965. The last five times the Bears started 0-3, they never reached the .500 mark (in 1969, 1997, 1998, 2000 and 2003).
