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.
Was Zach Miller's 87-yard touchdown against the Rams the longest ever by a Bears tight end?
Gavin B.
Frankfort, Illinois
Yes, Zach Miller's 87-yard touchdown was the longest reception by a Bears tight end and the seventh longest by a Bears player overall. The three longest have been produced by wide receivers: Bo Farrington (98 yards in 1961), Dick Gordon (93 in 1967) and Willard Dewveall (91 in 1960). Receiver Rickey Watts (89 in 1980) and running back Kyle Long (89 in 2010) are tied for the fourth longest catch in Bears history and receiver Harlon Hill produced the sixth longest with an 88-yarder in 1959.
The Bears defense looks like it has vastly improved under new coordinator Vic Fangio. In terms of NFL ranking, what is the biggest improvement the defense has made from one season to the next?
Steve C.
Austin, Texas
After ranking 30th in total yards last season, the Bears defense is currently seventh in the NFL. If the season ended today, that 23-spot jump would be the best single-season improvement in franchise history. The previous best is 19 spots from 25th in 1989 to 6th in 1990 and from 21st in 2004 to 2nd in 2005.
When was the last time a Bears head coach beat his former team in his first year with the team?
Teddy K.
Winnetka, Illinois
The only time a Bears head coach has ever faced another team he used to coach was when Paddy Driscoll led the Bears to wins over the Chicago Cardinals in 1956 and 1957 after serving as a player/coach with the Cardinals from 1920-22.
