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.
If the season ended right now, what draft pick would the Bears have in the first round?
Phil K.
Lansing, Illinois
The Bears (2-9) would pick third behind the Browns (0-12) and 49ers (1-11) in the draft. The Jaguars also are 2-9, but they would select fourth because their opponents have a better combined record than the teams the Bears have faced this year. The Jaguars' win over the Bears Oct. 16 at Soldier Field does not factor into the equation because ties for draft slots are broken by strength of schedule, not head-to-head competition. The Bears have had the third pick twice since 1951; they took Hall of Fame middle linebacker Dick Butkus from Illinois in 1965 and Southern Illinois tackle Lionel Antoine in 1972, both with picks acquired from other teams. The Bears obtained the Butkus selection from the Steelers in 1964 in exchange for picks in the second- and fourth-round of that year's draft. They acquired the pick they used to draft Antoine from the Giants in exchange for center Bob Hyland and defensive back Bennie McRae.
When was the last time the Bears recovered their own onside kick like they did Sunday?
Brent B.
Macon, Georgia
The last time that happened was last Dec. 20 in Minnesota when Sherrick McManis recovered Robbie Gould's onside kick in a 38-17 loss to the Vikings. On Sunday, Adrian Amos recovered Connor Barth's onside kick to start the second half. The Bears trailed 21-7 at the time.
When was the last time the Bears went 0-4 against AFC opponents in a season?
Rob B.
Barrington, Illinois
This year marks the first time the Bears have failed to beat an AFC opponent in a season since 1980 when they were swept by the Steelers (38-3), Browns (27-21), Oilers (10-6) and Bengals (17-14 in overtime). Despite those four losses, the Bears went 7-5 versus NFC teams to finish a respectable 7-9 under coach Neill Armstrong. The Bears went 3-1 against the AFC West last year but lost all four games to AFC South opponents this year, falling to the Texans (23-14), Colts (29-23), Jaguars (17-16) and Titans (27-21).
