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.
Since the Seahawks crushed the Broncos in the Super Bowl Sunday, I've heard a lot of comparisons between Seattle's defense and the '85 Bears. How do they stack up statistically?
Dave C.
Wheeling, Illinois
I understand the comparisons, starting with the fact that the Seahawks are the first defense since the 1985 Bears to lead the NFL in points allowed, yards allowed and takeaways. But there's no doubt in my mind that the '85 Bears are superior. The '85 Bears hold the edge in all three of those categories; they yielded 198 points and 4,135 yards and generated 54 takeaways, while the Seahawks allowed 231 points and 4,378 yards and produced 39 takeaways. In addition, the '85 Bears recorded 20 more sacks: 64 versus 44. That's a significant difference in impact plays. And now let's look at the post-season. The '85 Bears remain the only NFL team to record back-to-back shutouts in the playoffs, and in their 46-10 drubbing of the Patriots in Super Bowl XX, the Bears permitted only seven yards rushing, registered seven sacks, scored a defensive touchdown and allowed New England to gain positive yards on only one of its first 15 plays.
I was disappointed in the lack of progress that linebackers Jon Bostic and Khaseem Greene made as rookies. Do the Bears still think they can develop into solid NFL starters?
Pete R.
Boca Raton, Florida
Yes, the Bears still believe that both Jon Bostic and Khaseem Greene will become the players they envisioned when they were drafted last spring. Personally, I think they will greatly benefit from spending a full offseason with the Bears, especially in terms of working with a veteran coach in Reggie Herring as well as a perennial Pro Bowler in Lance Briggs. I feel that Bostic especially has a very high ceiling and I expect him to make major strides as a second-year player.
Do you think the Bears will spend all of their draft picks on the defensive side of the ball? It seems like their offense is set for the next several years.
Perry T.
Indianapolis, Indiana
It's apparent to everyone who watched the 2013 Bears that their primary needs are on defense. But don't forget that free agency kicks off almost two months before the draft and what currently appears to be a gaping hole could be filled before the draft. Regardless, I don't see the Bears spending all of their draft picks on one side of the ball; they know that it's important to continue adding promising young players across the board. Plus if you let needs dictate your draft strategy, you'll be tempted to pass up a more talented player just to address a certain position.
