Will Chicago now be considered a "run first" team or a &quot (1 Viewer)

[gianmarco]

We know Chicago has always been a defensive-minded team that usually focused on ball control and the running game, even when it was lacking in the running game department. Last year, Forte had an exceptional workload, particularly for a rookie. Now Cutler is in town.

Is the total offensive mindset going to change? Will they be throwing considerably more? Or will they still have the same offensive philosophy and expect Cutler to throw at a higher quality rate, not necessarily a quantitative increase.

So, "run heavy" or "pass heavy"?

 

[Banger]

Where's the balanced option? I think they will be a fairly balanced, ball control team. I don't think the mindset will change although some of the playcalling will. They'll have the ability to stretch the field that Orton couldn't provide. Last year they were 14th in pass attempts with 528 and 15th in rush attempts with 434 so they were pretty balanced and I'd imagine they would remain close to the same. Cutler's arm will give the Bears a dimension that they didn't have with Orton which will help improve the passing and the running game.

Cutler will enable them to pick up 1st downs which they couldn't do last year which will help their defense. Last year I believe Chicago's Defense was on the field the 2nd most of any team and it was probably due to the fact that their offense was around 25th in 3rd down %. That will change quite a bit this year.

 

[Prof. Chaos]

Where's the balanced option? I think they will be a fairly balanced, ball control team. I don't think the mindset will change although some of the playcalling will. They'll have the ability to stretch the field that Orton couldn't provide. Last year they were 14th in pass attempts with 528 and 15th in rush attempts with 434 so they were pretty balanced and I'd imagine they would remain close to the same. Cutler's arm will give the Bears a dimension that they didn't have with Orton which will help improve the passing and the running game. Cutler will enable them to pick up 1st downs which they couldn't do last year which will help their defense. Last year I believe Chicago's Defense was on the field the 2nd most of any team and it was probably due to the fact that their offense was around 25th in 3rd down %. That will change quite a bit this year.

 

[Zoomanji]

Who is the OC?

 

[gianmarco]

Where's the balanced option? I think they will be a fairly balanced, ball control team. I don't think the mindset will change although some of the playcalling will. They'll have the ability to stretch the field that Orton couldn't provide. Last year they were 14th in pass attempts with 528 and 15th in rush attempts with 434 so they were pretty balanced and I'd imagine they would remain close to the same. Cutler's arm will give the Bears a dimension that they didn't have with Orton which will help improve the passing and the running game. Cutler will enable them to pick up 1st downs which they couldn't do last year which will help their defense. Last year I believe Chicago's Defense was on the field the 2nd most of any team and it was probably due to the fact that their offense was around 25th in 3rd down %. That will change quite a bit this year.

I added the balanced option for you. You're right, it should have been included.Considering they were pretty balanced last year in terms of being right in the middle for both passing and rushing, you don't think that the addition of Cutler will add pass attempts and take away rush attempts? The voting so far doesn't seem to think so either.

 

[Banger]

Where's the balanced option? I think they will be a fairly balanced, ball control team. I don't think the mindset will change although some of the playcalling will. They'll have the ability to stretch the field that Orton couldn't provide. Last year they were 14th in pass attempts with 528 and 15th in rush attempts with 434 so they were pretty balanced and I'd imagine they would remain close to the same. Cutler's arm will give the Bears a dimension that they didn't have with Orton which will help improve the passing and the running game. Cutler will enable them to pick up 1st downs which they couldn't do last year which will help their defense. Last year I believe Chicago's Defense was on the field the 2nd most of any team and it was probably due to the fact that their offense was around 25th in 3rd down %. That will change quite a bit this year.

I added the balanced option for you. You're right, it should have been included.Considering they were pretty balanced last year in terms of being right in the middle for both passing and rushing, you don't think that the addition of Cutler will add pass attempts and take away rush attempts? The voting so far doesn't seem to think so either.

thank you sir!I really don't think their pass attempts will increase/rush attempts will decrease markedly. Like I said, I think Cutler will enable them to convert more 3rd downs and stay on the field longer. I don't think they have the weapons at this point to throw a lot more and they have a good RB that they can lean on. Even if they snag Burress I don't think they will alter their philosophy much if at all, it will just change their play calling especially around the goal line. I think they will be more efficient with their pass attempts which will go for bigger chunks and by proxy help open up the run game. The good thing is if they are behind they will have the option for a quarter or two to become more pass heavy to try and get back into a game which is a nice luxury to have.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

At this point, even being a it is all guesswork.

But I will think of it in this regard. Back in 1995, when Turner had his first stint as OC for the Bears, he actually had a good QB....Erik Kramer. He also had two decent WR's in Conway and Graham. Three good RB's as well Salaam(rookie of the year that season), Raymont Harris(the ultraback), and Robert Green(the 3rd down/jitterbug). Very proficient offense that season.

They were 8th in scoring offense, 3800 yards passing, almost 2000 yards rushing.

So that was Turner's best offense and it was a bit more passing.

However, the current bears team has a better defense than in 95' and is less talented at the WR group.

This current team also has a better Oline and RB.

Combine that with the offseason moves of adding 3 new OL(and another with Chris Williams hopefully 100%) and I think they will be slightly more geared towards running than that 95 team.

 

[Jason Wood]

I think, with very few exceptions, most NFL OCs strive for balance. Whether they can achieve balance really depends on a lot of factors, many outside of their control. For example, a terrible defense is going to make it next to impossible to not throw a lot. Coincidentally, if your special teams are horrible that's going to affect your play-calling decisions, both in terms of how aggressive you are in the red zone as well as how tight you have to play if you're frequently pinned back in your own side of the field.

I'm not a Ron Turner fan, and if I had to bet I would say he'll not be the OC after 2009. But that said, he'll have no excuses this year with a great young QB, an improved OL and a 2nd year RB that can get it done.

 

[Statcruncher]

I'm guessing it is going to balance out. However I see the yards per play going up. They averaged 6.11 yards per pass and I can see that jumping to 6.8 - 7.0 yards per pass. Likewise they averaged 3.9 yards per rush and I'm guessing 4.3 -4.5 is within reach. They ran about 950 plays last year and I would guess that will slightly increase. I don't have any insider info, just a gut feeling that they will be a more efficient offense that can force defenses to react instead of attack.

 

[Scooby1974]

Where's the balanced option? I think they will be a fairly balanced, ball control team. I don't think the mindset will change although some of the playcalling will. They'll have the ability to stretch the field that Orton couldn't provide. Last year they were 14th in pass attempts with 528 and 15th in rush attempts with 434 so they were pretty balanced and I'd imagine they would remain close to the same. Cutler's arm will give the Bears a dimension that they didn't have with Orton which will help improve the passing and the running game.

Cutler will enable them to pick up 1st downs which they couldn't do last year which will help their defense. Last year I believe Chicago's Defense was on the field the 2nd most of any team and it was probably due to the fact that their offense was around 25th in 3rd down %. That will change quite a bit this year.

I added the balanced option for you. You're right, it should have been included.Considering they were pretty balanced last year in terms of being right in the middle for both passing and rushing, you don't think that the addition of Cutler will add pass attempts and take away rush attempts? The voting so far doesn't seem to think so either.

thank you sir!I really don't think their pass attempts will increase/rush attempts will decrease markedly. Like I said, I think Cutler will enable them to convert more 3rd downs and stay on the field longer. I don't think they have the weapons at this point to throw a lot more and they have a good RB that they can lean on. Even if they snag Burress I don't think they will alter their philosophy much if at all, it will just change their play calling especially around the goal line.

I think they will be more efficient with their pass attempts which will go for bigger chunks and by proxy help open up the run game. The good thing is if they are behind they will have the option for a quarter or two to become more pass heavy to try and get back into a game which is a nice luxury to have.

Who is to say Burress doesn't get locked up AND suspended for years? I could see a year in jail and a subsequent suspension by Goodell, he may never regain form or value.

 

[Boston]

I think you need to look at this in two ways...2009 and the years after that. This year I see them being more balanced as they have a subpar group of WRs (obviously subject to change because it's the offseason) and I don't think they'll be able to really wing it. On the flipside Chicago gave up a boatload for Cutler and he's a gunslinger and I would think they would play to his strengths. To make such a big committment to get him doesn't make too much sense if you're not going to use him correctly. Due to that I expect the Bears to add more weapons in the next few years and become a more pass-friendly offense. I'm sure they'll strive to be as balanced as possible but I do see the pass becoming a much bigger part of the Bear offense in the upcoming years.

 

[Banger]

Where's the balanced option? I think they will be a fairly balanced, ball control team. I don't think the mindset will change although some of the playcalling will. They'll have the ability to stretch the field that Orton couldn't provide. Last year they were 14th in pass attempts with 528 and 15th in rush attempts with 434 so they were pretty balanced and I'd imagine they would remain close to the same. Cutler's arm will give the Bears a dimension that they didn't have with Orton which will help improve the passing and the running game.

Cutler will enable them to pick up 1st downs which they couldn't do last year which will help their defense. Last year I believe Chicago's Defense was on the field the 2nd most of any team and it was probably due to the fact that their offense was around 25th in 3rd down %. That will change quite a bit this year.

I added the balanced option for you. You're right, it should have been included.Considering they were pretty balanced last year in terms of being right in the middle for both passing and rushing, you don't think that the addition of Cutler will add pass attempts and take away rush attempts? The voting so far doesn't seem to think so either.

thank you sir!I really don't think their pass attempts will increase/rush attempts will decrease markedly. Like I said, I think Cutler will enable them to convert more 3rd downs and stay on the field longer. I don't think they have the weapons at this point to throw a lot more and they have a good RB that they can lean on. Even if they snag Burress I don't think they will alter their philosophy much if at all, it will just change their play calling especially around the goal line.

I think they will be more efficient with their pass attempts which will go for bigger chunks and by proxy help open up the run game. The good thing is if they are behind they will have the option for a quarter or two to become more pass heavy to try and get back into a game which is a nice luxury to have.

Who is to say Burress doesn't get locked up AND suspended for years? I could see a year in jail and a subsequent suspension by Goodell, he may never regain form or value.

That's very possible but I was just talking about in the event that they did get him or another top WR I wouldn't see their offense being altered much. The reason I mentioned Plax is that he's a top WR that you wouldn't have to give up anything but money. That being said, I have no idea if the Bears would even be interested in adding him to their team.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

But that said, he'll have no excuses this year with a great young QB, an improved OL and a 2nd year RB that can get it done.

Improved in what way? Orlando Pace? Bears transactions: link

 

[Banger]

I think you need to look at this in two ways...2009 and the years after that. This year I see them being more balanced as they have a subpar group of WRs (obviously subject to change because it's the offseason) and I don't think they'll be able to really wing it. On the flipside Chicago gave up a boatload for Cutler and he's a gunslinger and I would think they would play to his strengths. To make such a big committment to get him doesn't make too much sense if you're not going to use him correctly. Due to that I expect the Bears to add more weapons in the next few years and become a more pass-friendly offense. I'm sure they'll strive to be as balanced as possible but I do see the pass becoming a much bigger part of the Bear offense in the upcoming years.

I think everyone would agree that the ultimate gunslinger is Favre. I went back over the last 6 years to check out his pass to run ratio and it was 56% pass/44% run, last year the Bears were 55% pass/45% run. I don't think it will be the ratio that will change, I think it will be the pass plays that will change (i.e. deeper routes, more bombs, etc.). Cutler will just be able to do more with the pass plays when they are called.

 

[RBM]

But that said, he'll have no excuses this year with a great young QB, an improved OL and a 2nd year RB that can get it done.

Improved in what way? Orlando Pace? Bears transactions: link

If Pace and Williams with Schaffer as the top backup is not better than StClair and Tait, we've got major problems

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

But that said, he'll have no excuses this year with a great young QB, an improved OL and a 2nd year RB that can get it done.

Improved in what way? Orlando Pace? Bears transactions: link

If Pace and Williams with Schaffer as the top backup is not better than StClair and Tait, we've got major problems

And new LG Frank OmiyaleSo to recap.

Oline last season= LT-St. Clair LG- Beekman C-Kruetz RG-Garza RT-Tait

Oline This season= LT-Pace LG- Omiyale C-Kreutz RG-Garza RT-Shaffer/Williams(maybe kick Shaffer into to guard)

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

They still play in the windiest ballpark in the league don't they?

 

[Boston]

I think you need to look at this in two ways...2009 and the years after that. This year I see them being more balanced as they have a subpar group of WRs (obviously subject to change because it's the offseason) and I don't think they'll be able to really wing it. On the flipside Chicago gave up a boatload for Cutler and he's a gunslinger and I would think they would play to his strengths. To make such a big committment to get him doesn't make too much sense if you're not going to use him correctly. Due to that I expect the Bears to add more weapons in the next few years and become a more pass-friendly offense. I'm sure they'll strive to be as balanced as possible but I do see the pass becoming a much bigger part of the Bear offense in the upcoming years.

I think everyone would agree that the ultimate gunslinger is Favre. I went back over the last 6 years to check out his pass to run ratio and it was 56% pass/44% run, last year the Bears were 55% pass/45% run. I don't think it will be the ratio that will change, I think it will be the pass plays that will change (i.e. deeper routes, more bombs, etc.). Cutler will just be able to do more with the pass plays when they are called.

I don't disagree with that at all...I guess instead of saying pass v. run it will be conservative playcalling v. taking more chances.

 

[Banger]

I think you need to look at this in two ways...2009 and the years after that. This year I see them being more balanced as they have a subpar group of WRs (obviously subject to change because it's the offseason) and I don't think they'll be able to really wing it. On the flipside Chicago gave up a boatload for Cutler and he's a gunslinger and I would think they would play to his strengths. To make such a big committment to get him doesn't make too much sense if you're not going to use him correctly. Due to that I expect the Bears to add more weapons in the next few years and become a more pass-friendly offense. I'm sure they'll strive to be as balanced as possible but I do see the pass becoming a much bigger part of the Bear offense in the upcoming years.

I think everyone would agree that the ultimate gunslinger is Favre. I went back over the last 6 years to check out his pass to run ratio and it was 56% pass/44% run, last year the Bears were 55% pass/45% run. I don't think it will be the ratio that will change, I think it will be the pass plays that will change (i.e. deeper routes, more bombs, etc.). Cutler will just be able to do more with the pass plays when they are called.

I don't disagree with that at all...I guess instead of saying pass v. run it will be conservative playcalling v. taking more chances.

I definitely agree with that. They will definitely take more shots down the field especially as they improve their wideouts.

 

[cphk96]

I believe that the passing/running ratio will not change much.

But With Cutler in the mix, the Bears will be able to exploit Hester and spread the defense.

 

[Rockchild]

I think you need to look at this in two ways...2009 and the years after that. This year I see them being more balanced as they have a subpar group of WRs (obviously subject to change because it's the offseason) and I don't think they'll be able to really wing it. On the flipside Chicago gave up a boatload for Cutler and he's a gunslinger and I would think they would play to his strengths. To make such a big committment to get him doesn't make too much sense if you're not going to use him correctly. Due to that I expect the Bears to add more weapons in the next few years and become a more pass-friendly offense. I'm sure they'll strive to be as balanced as possible but I do see the pass becoming a much bigger part of the Bear offense in the upcoming years.

I think everyone would agree that the ultimate gunslinger is Favre. I went back over the last 6 years to check out his pass to run ratio and it was 56% pass/44% run, last year the Bears were 55% pass/45% run. I don't think it will be the ratio that will change, I think it will be the pass plays that will change (i.e. deeper routes, more bombs, etc.). Cutler will just be able to do more with the pass plays when they are called.

I don't disagree with that at all...I guess instead of saying pass v. run it will be conservative playcalling v. taking more chances.

I definitely agree with that. They will definitely take more shots down the field especially as they improve their wideouts.

And I think having a stronger armed, more confident QB willing to throw into smaller openings will indeed help the passing game.

 

[Phlash]

I can easily see them passing much more this season. Cutler can really throw the ball, and Forte is a fantastic pass catching running back. Their WRs aren't great, but can get downfield. I expect a little bit of run and shoot this year from Chicago.