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.
Is there any chance the Bears will sign defensive tackle Jay Ratliff? They're paper thin at the position because of injuries.
From Matthew W. on Twitter
Jay Ratliff is a four-time Pro Bowler, but he isn't healthy enough to help the Bears at this point. He was released by the Cowboys on Wednesday after he failed a physical. Ratliff missed most of last season with a groin injury, had hernia surgery during the offseason and had been on the physical unable to perform list this year with groin and hamstring injuries. Ratliff's agent did say in a conference call with reporters Wednesday that the veteran defensive tackle intends to return in 2014, but he won't be able to play this season.
Do you see Julius Peppers making any impact going forward?
From Grant M. on Twitter
I know that Julius Peppers isn't playing at the same level that has earned him eight career trips to the Pro Bowl and his production is way down this year. But it's a long season and he's definitely capable of stepping up his game and making an impact moving forward. I certainly don't think it's time to write him off. With that being said, there's no denying that he needs to revert to the form he's showed in the past if the Bears want to earn a playoff berth and contend for a championship.
It seems like the Bears defense isn't doing well against the run. What will they do to stop Robert Griffin III Sunday in Washington?
From B92 on Twitter
The Bears need to keep Robert Griffin III in the pocket and not allow him to break containment and scramble for big runs. While he rushed for 815 yards and seven touchdowns last season as a rookie, he only had gained 72 yards on the ground in the first three games this year. But he looked more like the old RG III last Sunday night against the Cowboys, when he ran for 77 yards. The Bears also have to focus on running back Alfred Morris, who ranks 11th in the NFL in rushing with 377 yards and three TDs on 72 carries. His 5.2 yards per carry is tops among the league's 23 running backs who have rushed for at least 270 yards.
