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.
Are the Bears seriously considering trading for Jimmy Garoppolo? From what I hear the Patriots are asking way too much for an unproven quarterback.
Wayne M.
Forres, Scotland
When asked about addressing the Bears' quarterback situation last month at his post-season press conference, general manager Ryan Pace said that "everything's on the table. It's free agency. It's trade. It's draft. It's current players on our team." In other words, Pace is going to explore every option and leave no stone unturned in his quest to solidify the most important position on the field. As a result, I'm sure he will explore the possibility of trading for Patriots backup Jimmy Garoppolo as one of many options. That no doubt will include evaluating Garoppolo's performance—he's only played one-and-a-half NFL regular season games—as well as how he fits with the Bears offense. The second part of the equation is determining what type of compensation will be required to acquire Garoppolo and most importantly whether it's a trade that would benefit the Bears long term. You asked about Garoppolo, but I guarantee you that he's not the only option that Pace will explore this offseason.
I thought that Brandon Marshall would crush all the Bears receiving records. Is Alshon Jeffery close to breaking any of the Bears' major records?
Michael
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Alshon Jeffery needs only 511 yards to become the Bears' all-time leading receiver. He currently ranks third with 4,549 yards behind Johnny Morris (5,059) and Harlon Hill (4,616), both of whom played for the Bears during the 1950s and '60s. Jeffery passed Walter Payton (4,538) for third place with a 14-yard reception late in a Week 16 loss to the Redskins. Brandon Marshall, by the way, ranks 12th on the all-time list with 3,524 yards.
How many Super Bowl records does the 1985 Bears defense still hold?
Pete G.
Franklin Park, Illinois
The Super Bowl records the Bears defense set in 1985 they still either own or share include fewest rushing yards allowed (seven), fewest first downs permitted via rushing (one), lowest yards per carry permitted (0.64) and most sacks (seven). Individual marks belong to Mike Singletary for most fumble recoveries all time and in a game with two and Henry Waechter for most safeties all time and in a game with one.
