What changed for the Bears’ defense in the second half on Saturday? Did they do anything different pressure-wise (blitzes, stunts, etc.)? Can they keep it up against the Rams?” – Samuel

Dennis Allen definitely sent more pressure as the game progressed, but the Packers’ halftime adjustments played right into the Bears’ hands. Less play action, less pre-snap movement and less Jordan Love under center, where he and Matt LaFleur crushed the Bears in the first two quarters.

I don’t subscribe to the idea that the Packers lost more than the Bears won, but Green Bay certainly played not to lose and their complacency and decision to play a less complicated brand of football really allowed the Bears’ defense to find its footing.

Now, which team shows up on Sunday against the Rams? It’s a relatively uneducated hunch, but I’ve got this nagging sense that the Bears can really make things difficult for Matthew Stafford. We’ll see.

It seems like Ben Johnson’s game plan and Caleb Williams’ late-game abilities feed off each other. Some of the big plays are set up by smaller plays in the first half, and the returns get bigger as the game progresses. Is that sustainable? – Bryce & Cab

The late-game heroics and off-script, out-of-structure comeback ability probably isn’t sustainable in the sense of pulling it off seven times in one season.

It’ll always be possible on any given Sunday with Williams’ supernatural skillset, though. But as Johnson and Williams grow together, I doubt the Bears will have to rely on it as much as they have this year.

Explain the cornerback situation, please. – Bob

The Bears really like what Nahshon Wright brings to the table. They’re willing to sacrifice the yardage he’s allowing in coverage to keep his ability to seek out takeaways on the field. But it’s something they’ll have to consider having a shorter leash on throughout the playoffs.

Which brings us to …

Will Tyrique Stevenson get more playing time this week? – Marcus

I’m sure Dennis Allen will get that question on Thursday. He’ll probably avoid giving a direct answer. Truth be told, I don’t know. But he forced a fumble at the goal line on his first snap last Saturday. Maybe that earns him some more reps come Sunday.

If you had to choose one player to be an under-the-radar hero for Sunday’s game, who would you pick and why? – Chi

Probably Devin Duvernay. The Rams’ special teams are a mess. In slippery and frigid conditions, simply holding onto the ball would be enough for a successful day, but Duvernay should have some decent opportunities … if the Bears’ defense can force some punts.

What are some keys to stopping Matthew Stafford’s big-play ability while not abandoning run defense? – Justin

I think the weather could be really important for this very reason. Splitting the focus between Puka Nacua, Davante Adams and Kyren Williams is a matchup nightmare for the Bears’ defense, especially after losing T.J. Edwards for the rest of the year.

Some snow and maybe a little help from the Soldier Field turf monster to slow Nacua as the Bears’ secondary continues to heal from their various injuries would be a blessing.

How have your expectations changed throughout the season? – Demi

Full honesty? I predicted the Bears would finish 7-10 before the season. If I’d stuck with those game-by-game predictions, I’d have finished 13-4 and in first place among my colleagues on our weekly picks graphic.

All four of my “losses” from before the season were picking against the Bears in games they ended up winning.

I am, however, a big believer in evolving expectations. I was probably a little late to buy into this team’s potential and ceiling, but the reality is that they’re three wins from winning the Super Bowl. They’ve exceeded my expectations at every level this year and I won’t be surprised if they continue to do so.

If you could bring one ex-Bears player in their prime from this millennium onto the current team, who would it be? – Demi

Julius Peppers. Or Lance Briggs. Or Brian Urlacher. An argument could be made for Khalil Mack, too. Just about any defensive legend in recent memory.

Which player from an NFC North rival would you place on the Bears right now? – Rogan

Because of “right now,” I’m eliminating Micah Parsons from this discussion. Probably Aidan Hutchinson then.

Any chance Dennis Allen is replaced by DBs coach Al Harris after the season? – Suraj

No. I just don’t see Johnson blaming the defense’s woes on scheme when the unit just doesn’t have the horses, whether it’s due to injuries or the inability to completely address each and every roster deficiency in one offseason.