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.
With all the injuries the Bears have had on defense, do you think they will make a trade?
Mark G.
Elmhurst, Illinois
I'm sure that general manager Phil Emery will explore all of his options. He always says that upgrading the roster is an ongoing process that he mulls every day. But making a trade may not happen for several reasons. It's very rare that a decent player who's capable of coming in and contributing is available at this point in the season. There are also salary cap ramifications, and I know that Phil wants to stockpile draft picks instead of trading them away. He feels the draft remains the No. 1 way to build his roster. So I would be surprised if a trade happens, though I'm not saying that it isn't a possibility. I think there's a better chance that the Bears will rely on players such as Jon Bostic, Landon Cohen, David Bass and Zach Minter to help fill the void.
Why did the Bears choose to try for a first down instead of kicking a chip-shot field goal when they had fourth-and-two early in Thursday night's game against the Giants?
Ross S.
The play you're referring to came on fourth-and-two from the New York 4 after Zack Bowman's interception on the game's opening possession. Brandon Marshall failed to haul in Jay Cutler's short pass over the middle and the Bears turned the ball over on downs. The Bears were expecting man-to-man coverage and the Giants played zone on the play. Coach Marc Trestman explained his reasoning after the game, saying: "I felt our defense was in a place that if we didn't make it they'd have to go the distance. If we did [score a touchdown] we could get some energy off Zack's interception. It didn't happen that way. The good part about it, we bounced back. We came back on what was really our official first drive, went down and scored." Cutler endorsed the decision, saying: "We talked about that [Thursday] morning, about that possibility. I like the call. We've just got to get it in front of 'B' a little more. Maybe we'll get the first down there and maybe he breaks the first tackle and gets in. I like the confidence doing it at home."
When Giants receiver Rueben Randle slammed the ball to the ground without being touched, the Bears appeared to recover the loose ball. Why weren't they awarded possession or at least allowed to challenge the play?
Phil W.
Indiana
The officials ruled that Rueben Randle had given himself up and blew the play dead, which is why the Bears were not permitted to challenge the play. Coach Marc Trestman agreed with the call, saying Friday: "They said they declared him down and I thought they made the right decision. I thought it was a good decision. It was clear his demeanor was not somebody who was trying to run with the football, so I didn't argue the point with them. It wouldn't have done any good anyways. But they did come over and explain to me that it was not challengeable."
