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.
After watching the Blackhawks play the longest game in their history, I was wondering about the longest game in Bears history. Could you please give us details on that?
Ross M.
Waukegan, Illinois
The longest game in Bears history took place on Dec. 18, 1977 against the New York Giants at the Meadowlands. Bob Thomas kicked a 28-yard field goal with :09 left in overtime to give the Bears a thrilling 12-9 win in the regular-season finale, putting them in the playoffs for the first time since they won the NFL Championship in 1963. The elapsed time of 74:51 makes it the longest game in Bears history. Just like the Blackhawks' triple-overtime win over the Anaheim Ducks that you referred to, the Bears-Giants game was also played on ice—the field was covered with it as freezing rain and sleet fell throughout the contest.
By moving extra points back to the 15-yard line, it seems like the NFL wants to encourage teams to try more two-point conversions. How did the Bears fare in two-point conversions last season?
Ronald A.
West Dundee, Illinois
The Bears were the NFL's top two-point conversion team last season, converting all five they attempted (four on Jay Cutler passes and one on a Kyle Long run). The only other teams that were perfect with more than two tries were the Steelers and Vikings, both of whom were 4-of-4. League-wide, teams combined to convert 47.5 percent of two-point conversions last season (28 of 59).
How many players on the Bears roster are from the Chicago area?
Warren B.
Elmhurst, Illinois
Only one player on the Bears' 90-man roster hails from the Chicago area—rookie receiver Cameron Meredith, who grew up in Westchester and attended St. Joseph's High School and Illinois State University. Cornerback Sherrick McManis, who grew up in Peoria, is the only other Illinois native.
