Bears Need to Keep Favre Out of the Loop

Times NFL writer Sam Farmer poses--and answers--the league’s burning questions:

Question: Why does Brett Favre love Chicago?

Answer: He has a better record against the Bears at Soldier Field (8-1) than he does at Lambeau Field (6-3).

Q: Is the vertical game a thing of the past?

A: For the moment. The Raiders have yet to complete a pass of 40 yards or longer.

Q: Who’s hogging the Jacuzzi?

A: Tampa Bay quarterback Brad Johnson. He was sacked 17 times in losses to Pittsburgh and Green Bay.

Q: Any sign that Dallas quarterback Ryan Leaf finally gets it?

A: Yes. Asked who has helped him the last three years, he said, “I think everybody’s probably tried to stay very clear of Ryan Leaf. I don’t know if you want to be associated with that.”

Q: Any sign that Washington linebacker LaVar Arrington has finally lost it?

A: Yes. Asked about a late-night TV host using the Redskins as a punch line, he said, “If Jay Leno can put some pads on and come down and whip any one of us, from Darrell Green on, then he can say what he says on TV. If he can’t, then he needs to leave it alone.... I’m on crutches. Does Jay Leno have to worry about what he does? Maybe if he trips on stage.”