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 take Jay Cutler out of Sunday's game against the Lions earlier?
Lori G.
Bears coach Marc Trestman explained Monday that while the ankle injury Jay Cutler suffered late in the first half Sunday against the Lions was limiting his mobility, the quarterback remained in the game because he was still making pinpoint passes, throwing the ball with velocity and accuracy, and able to move in the pocket and complete his throwing motion. Trestman cited several excellent passes that Cutler made, including the apparent touchdown in the right corner of the end zone to Alshon Jeffery that was reversed after a replay review showed that the receiver had failed to control the ball when he hit the ground. The decision was made to remove Cutler with 2:17 left in the game after it was clear that he couldn't move around enough to operate a two-minute drill.
That was a very tough and disappointing loss to the Lions. The Bears are only one game out of first place and I for one will "never die easy." So what are the Bears' chances of making the playoffs?
Lionel
Novato, California
It's amazing how much things change from week-to-week in the NFL. Heading into the Packers game, I heard everyone conceding the NFC North title to Green Bay and talking about how the Bears would be lucky to earn a wildcard berth. Then after they beat the Packers and knocked Aaron Rodgers out for several weeks, the division was back in play. Now after Sunday's loss to the Lions I'm hearing talk about Detroit winning the crown. The bottom line is that there are still seven games to go and anything can happen. I wouldn't be shocked if the Bears beat the Ravens and the Lions lost to the Steelers in Pittsburgh this Sunday, which would create a tie atop the division. I know the Lions have an easy schedule the rest of the way, but the only team the Bears play the rest of the season that has a winning record is the Packers, and they're down to their third quarterback. So keep the faith. The defense showed some positive signs against the Lions, and if the unit continues to improve, I feel the Bears will make the playoffs.
When was the last time the Bears had two receivers each top 100 yards in the same game?
Derek J.
West Chicago, Illinois
Against the Lions, Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery became the first Bears receivers to both compile over 100 yards in a game since Marty Booker and Dez White did so on Nov. 24, 2002, also in a home game versus Detroit, though it was played at the University of Illinois in Champaign while Soldier Field was being rebuilt.
