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.
One young player who stood out to me against the Vikings was defensive end David Bass. Do you think he will continue to get more playing time in the weeks ahead?
Trevor K.
Farmington Hills, Michigan
Yes, I do. I know that Bears coaches have been pleased with how David Bass has been performing in practice and he flashed some pass-rush ability on a couple of plays against the Vikings. His best play came late when he pressured Teddy Bridgewater into throwing an ill-advised pass into the end zone that Ryan Mundy intercepted to clinch the victory. With Trevor Scott sidelined with a knee injury, I expect Bass to get more reps as part of the defensive line rotation moving forward. Said defensive coordinator Mel Tucker: "Bass was doing a really good job in practice, and he got an opportunity to be up. I think he made the most of it. He played for us last year, and I think he's improved as a pass rusher. He's really stout in the run game. You know exactly what you're going to get in terms of the run. He has worked really, really hard at his rush, and that rush, we've seen him do that exact same thing in practice, and so that was good to see."
Is it just me or have I seen rookie safety Brock Vereen playing more on defense in recent weeks?
Noah G.
Westmont, Illinois
It's not just you. The Bears have been rotating Brock Vereen into the game in place of Ryan Mundy in some passing situations in an effort to get the rookie fourth-round draft pick some experience. Vereen played nine snaps against the Vikings. Here's what defensive coordinator Mel Tucker had to say about Vereen this week: "He's got really good quickness, he's fast and he's smart. He's a willing tackler and he showed that he can make tackles in space. He's willing to come up in the box. He's a guy that we've liked since Day 1. When he's gotten in games, he's made some plays for us. He has earned a role and we feel good about him."
When was the last time the Bears faced one of their former head coaches?
Peter L.
Norridge, Illinois
The Bears won their last two meetings against former head coach Dick Jauron, beating the Eagles 31-26 in 2010 when Jauron was a defensive assistant with Philadelphia and routing the Bills 40-7 in 2006 when Jauron was Buffalo's head coach.
