The last time the Bears played the Patriots was in 2006. At that time, the Bears were a confident group on defense, excelled on special teams and had a serviceable offense. Did anyone predict the Bears would beat the Patriots? Do you believe the team has a better chance of beating the Patriots this time around because of Peppers and Cutler?

What is up with the Bears wasting at least one timeout a half just because, apparently, they can't get the play relayed in time? Is this an equipment thing -- and if so, why can't the Bears get better equipment? Are these times when Cutler just really doesn't like the play -- from what I understand there's no audibling in Martz's offense, right? Do the coaches fall behind sometimes so they just end up burning a timeout? Fortunately, it hasn't really come back to haunt them since they've been the team running time off the clock at the end of the games, but it's still baffling and I haven't seen it addressed anywhere. What's going on here?

Seems like the Bears used Forte and Taylor in the backfield together a lot more against the Lions. Will this continue moving forward?

Since the Bears are playing the Patriots and most people think they will lose do you think the doubters/closet packer fans like seedybacklash, val and creighton will come out of hiding if the bears do lose and tell everyone see i told you so the bears suck and will miss the playoffs we were right all along. LOL!

What is your assessment of Jay Cutler as a leader of this team? A lot is made of the faces he makes, but he seems to have grown into the leader of the offense since last year.

Neil,

If you were to choose a present day Bear to make it into the Hall of Fame who would you choose and why?

With broadcasters' focus on studying the back of the playmaker from the previous play, TV viewers rarely get much of a look at how players are lining up before a snap. Unless the announcers decide to fill us in, we have no idea of personnel changes occurring on the field.

So who has been playing DE in recent games, when Peppers or Idonije needs a breather? The rookies have been inactive; has Melton been playing inside and out?

With broadcasters' focus on studying the back of the playmaker from the previous play, TV viewers rarely get much of a look at how players are lining up before a snap. Unless the announcers decide to fill us in, we have no idea of personnel changes occurring on the field.

So who has been playing DE in recent games, when Peppers or Idonije needs a breather? The rookies have been inactive; has Melton been playing inside and out?

In your opinion, over the last 15 seasons, who's has been the leagues best quarterback, Tom Brady or Peyton Manning? GO BEARS!!

Guys,

If you were to predict the position the Bears will draft first next year what position do you believe will and or should it be?

I asked last time about the status of Melton and Aromdousho (sp.? ). How is Melton performing in your opinion and what is going on with Aromadousho?

What's up with Trent Differ??? Why does he dislike the bears so much?? And when was he ever a legitimate QB in the NFL?? He makes me sick to my stomach overtime he opens his mouth!!!

Neil,

A multi faceted question here. Who has the authority over Lovie's job? Is it still Angelo or since he's on the line, has the responsibility gone above him? And are Lovie and Angelo still bound at the hip? With the Bears having all of their draft choices this next year, does Phillips and the Mckaskeys trust Angelo enough to have him run the show?

Despite a recently revitalized offense, the O line is an obvious weakness and will surely be addressed either through the draft or free agency. The question is which of the five players is targeted for replacement. We know that Angelo loves his draft picks so Williams and Webb could be safe. We know that Lovie loves his veterans so Kreutz and Garza could be safe. And we know the Bears love their money so Omiyale could be safe because they won't want to pay him a starters salary to ride the pine. So who do you think will be replaced and who do you think should be?

Anonymouse -- I haven't gone anywhere. I said the Bears would finish 8-8. Now it looks like they will finish 9-7. My biggest concern is that the team will do well enough to get Lovie and Angelo contract extensions. The team needs to move beyond this pair. All the fortunate bounces the Bears have had this year will not be revisited next season. And if we don't have a next season, then in 2012, we have an already old team getting two years older.

Btw, congrats to Cutler on the first winning season of his career.

My question: Neil and Sean - Do you believe Lovie dropped any f-bombs during his half-time tirade in the Lions game (or were they more like gosh darn-its)?

Is it possible for the Bears to keep Lovie Smith and fire Jerry Angelo or are they a packaged deal? I'd personally love to see this coaching staff stay together for a while. I think we'd all really see improvement moving forward. I just don't know if I can deal with another Jerry Angelo led draft. Your thoughts...