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.
Could you please recap the players who were involved in the Jay Cutler trade?
Kirk D.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
On April 2, 2009, the Bears traded quarterback Kyle Orton, first-round draft picks in 2009 and 2010, and a 2009 third-round choice to the Broncos in exchange for quarterback Jay Cutler and a 2009 fifth-round selection. Cutler has compiled a 34-22 record as a starter in four seasons, becoming the Bears' all-time leader in passer rating (81.9) and completions (1,034) while ranking second in touchdown passes (82) and passing yards (12,292). Orton was 12-20 as a starter in three seasons with the Broncos, passing for 8,434 yards with 49 touchdowns and 28 interceptions. The Bears spent the fifth-round pick they obtained in the draft on receiver Johnny Knox, who retired last month after four seasons due to a back injury he sustained on Dec. 16, 2011 in a loss to the Seahawks. Knox was voted to the Pro Bowl as a rookie return specialist and caught 133 career passes for 2,214 yards and 12 touchdowns. The three draft picks the Bears dealt were used to select defensive end Robert Ayers by the Broncos 18th overall in 2009, receiver Mike Wallace by the Steelers at No. 84 in 2009, and tackle Anthony Davis by the 49ers at No. 11 in 2010.
I was curious as to how Henry Melton responded to the Bears placing the franchise tag on him. Some players get bitter and others view it as a compliment. Either way, I haven't seen any type of response from Melton. Do you have any insight as to how he feels about it?
Chaz A.
Culpeper, Virginia
I have not spoken to Henry Melton or seen him quoted extensively by any media outlet since the Bears placed a franchise tag on him, ensuring he will earn $8.45 million in 2013. I can tell you that shortly after it happened last Friday night Melton took to his Twitter account and tweeted: "Good to be a Bear for another year hopefully we can get a long-term deal done soon!"
Interesting to read your story the other day about the Bears tying a team record by scoring 61 points in a rout of Green Bay in 1980. When else did they score that many points?
Dave G.
Hammond, Indiana
The Bears accomplished that feat for the first time on Dec. 12, 1965 when they crushed the 49ers 61-20 at Wrigley Field. Rookie superstar Gale Sayers tied an NFL record by scoring six touchdowns in that contest on an 80-yard screen pass, runs of 21, 7, 50 and 1 yards, and an 85-yard punt return. Of course, those are just regular-season records. The Bears set an all-time NFL mark that still stands for points in a game and margin of victory when they destroyed the Redskins 73-0 in the 1940 NFL Championship Game in Washington.
