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.
I don't remember Alshon Jeffery making very many plays in recent games. Do you think the Bears will look to get him more involved as they try to get out of their slump?
Allen B.
Indiana
Yes, I do. Alshon Jeffery has caught only 13 passes for 131 yards and one touchdown during the Bears' three-game losing streak to the Dolphins, Patriots and Packers. Said quarterback Jay Cutler: "We've got to find ways to get him the ball a little bit more and get him going. He's kind of been a bit lost the last couple of games. We haven't utilized him as much as we want to. He's still an unbelievable receiver and hard to cover." Jeffery hasn't had a 100-yard game or a reception over 22 yards since the Bears' Week 6 win in Atlanta. But of course he's not the only one who isn't making the types of plays he has in the past. Said Cutler: "That's just kind of everybody right now. We're not doing exactly what we should be doing. We're not making plays on offense when we should be making them. It starts with me. I've got to play better. I've got to put these guys in positions to make some of these plays and give [Jeffery] more of a chance to do what he can do."
I heard Marc Trestman say early in the week that he was going to look back at tape of the Bears' three wins this season. Did he ever say what common theme he saw in those three games?
Aaron E.
Bannockburn, Illinois
Coach Marc Trestman mentioned Thursday that in all three of the Bears' wins this season over the 49ers, Jets and Falcons, they created turnovers, took care of the ball and made explosive plays. In terms of turnover differential, the Bears are plus-seven in their three victories (eight takeaways and one giveaway) and minus-12 (five takeaways and 17 giveaways) in their six losses. They are 3-0 when winning the turnover battle and 0-6 when losing it. There's no more telling stat than that.
It seems like the Bears have a big edge over the Vikings at Soldier Field. In fact, I can't remember the last time they lost to Minnesota at home. Do the stats bear that out?
Darrin L.
Elmwood Park, Illinois
Yes, they do. The Bears have won their last six meetings with the Vikings at Soldier Field and are 12-1 at home versus Minnesota since 2001. Their only loss during that stretch came in 2007 when the Vikings won 34-31.
