Chalk Talk: How often have Bears opened vs. Lions?

[Staley Da Bear]

Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.


How many times have the Bears opened a season against the Lions?
Peter L.
Indiana


Although the franchises have been playing against each other since 1930, this is just the 10th time they will have opened a season versus each other. The Bears are 5-4 in those contests—5-1 at home and 0-3 on the road. The Bears haven't played the Lions in a season opener since a 19-14 win in 2010 in Chicago and haven't faced them in an opener in Detroit since a 17-10 loss in 1982 in Mike Ditka's first game as coach.


I know that Mitchell Trubisky has excelled against the Lions. How much do you think that had to do with him being named the starting quarterback?
Nathan F.
Oswego, Illinois


Coach Matt Nagy told reporters that quarterback Mitchell Trubisky's previous success against the Lions—who host the Bears in Sunday's season opener—had nothing to do with Trubisky being anointed the No. 1 quarterback, saying: "This is something that has a lot more to do [with] than that first game." In five career starts against the Lions, Trubisky has completed 70.1 percent of his passes for 1,359 yards with 11 touchdowns, four interceptions and a 106.3 passer rating. The 1,359 yards and 11 TDs are his most against any opponent.


If Mitchell Trubisky struggles, how long do you think it will take before he's replaced by Nick Foles?
Dave A.
Evanston, Illinois


Matt Nagy understands that's something that many fans would like to know, but the Bears coach wisely steered away from answering that question during a recent video call with the media. (It serves no positive purpose to address it with reporters.) Here's what Nagy said about how long of a leash Mitchell Trubisky will be given: "That's probably one of the biggest questions that people will ask in these types of situations. For us, there's just an excitement of, 'Let's look at the glass half-full. Let's be optimistic.' If we do that, then you have way less distractions, way less things to think about. Right now there's just a really good vibe in our building throughout with our team. I like where we're at. We're looking for nothing but positivity and trying to win as many games as we can and score points on offense." If you're asking me how much patience Nagy will have with Trubisky, I believe the coach will give the quarterback ample opportunity to prove that he can translate the improvements he made in training camp practices to games. With that being said, I also feel that Nagy knows he has a second starting-caliber quarterback in Nick Foles and wouldn't hesitate to eventually make a switch if the coach feels it's what's best for the Bears. But like Nagy said, let's look at the glass half-full and be optimistic that Trubisky and the entire offense will perform well this season, beginning Sunday in Detroit.


Chalk Talk features fan questions multiple times each week. Email your question to Larry.