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.
Why didn't the Bears receive any compensatory draft picks, and what determines who gets them?
Bill P.
Homewood, Illinois
The NFL awards a total of 32 draft picks to teams that lose more or better free agents than they acquire in the previous year. The number of picks a team receives equals the net loss of free agents. A complex formula is used that's based on salary, playing time and postseason honors. Last year quarterback Jason Campbell, running back Michael Bush, guard Chilo Rachal and cornerback Kelvin Hayden were among the free agents the Bears signed, while cornerback Corey Graham was really the only significant free agent they lost.
Where does Matt Forte rank on the Bears' all-time rushing list?
Tom T.
New Buffalo, Michigan
Matt Forte is fourth among Bears' career rushing leaders with 5,327 yards, trailing Walter Payton (16,726), Neal Anderson (6,166) and Rick Casares (5,657). With a fairly decent 2013 season, Forte can move into second place behind Sweetness. Forte has gained 1,238, 929, 1,069, 997 and 1,094 yards in his first five NFL seasons and needs 840 yards to pass Anderson into the No. 2 spot.
I know the Bears play against the AFC North this season. How have they fared versus those teams?
Steve W.
Naperville, Illinois
The Bears are 20-7-1 all-time against the Steelers, 2-2 versus the Ravens, 5-9 against the Browns and 3-6 versus the Bengals. The last the Bears played the AFC North in 2009, they beat the Steelers 17-14 and the Browns 30-6 at Soldier Field, while losing on the road to the Bengals 45-10 and Ravens 31-7. The sites will switch this season with the Bears hosting the Bengals and Ravens and visiting the Steelers and Browns.
