Why is Grossman's leash longer than Benson's leash?

[Howling Mad]

Before I continue I want to state Adrian Petersen is my favorite bear. He plays hard, makes good plays, acts like a veteran, doesn't wine, and doesn't mind playing anywhere.

However if your gonig to spend a 4 pick on a RB you would figure... "Cedric is our running back".

I mean ... "Rex is our quarterback" right? or so Lovie says, and what is Rex a 20+ first round draft pick.

If Rex is going to have miles of leeway after making mistakes why doens't our first round number 4 draft pick, in Benson, get the same treatment.

Yesterday after making a few good runs, Petersen comes in and muffs it against the line. Adrian probably didn't get a hole fast enough since our O-line sucked again, but why doesn't Benson get some chances at momentum.

This is a running back that never averaged less than 20 carries per game. In his senior year he averaged 27 carries.

This year Cedric has had one game over 20 carries. 24 carries with 100+ yeards. Not a coincidence he ran well over 20 carries. Even his first game of 19 carries he didn't have a chance at any momentum. I can't recall a drive dominated by mostly runs, let alone runs dominated by Cedric. Usually the Bears mix in Petersen during 3rd down, which is fine, but give Cedric some consistent runs.

On the other hand Rex throws INT after INT and continues to run a pass dominated offense. I know some of you are thinking we had a huge deficit to make up, but even before the blow-out situation Rex ran a pass dominated offense that he continued to screw up.

GIVE Cedric a chance.

[dougthonus]

We ran almost an exact 50/50 split run/pass until we were down by 17 points.

[Howling Mad]

^ exactly my point.

Our offense should've been dominated by runs. If we had Peyton Manning than I could see the split. Peyton can do fine on a 2nd and long or a third and 10, Rex can't. Passing half the times is pretty high for a team that has stated is a running team.

We should've ran, ran, pass; or ran, pass, ran on most 1-3 down progressions, and running all run plays on first down. A lot of times we would pass and nothing more, then we'd run all three downs with a 3rd and longer than 5.

What kind of play calling is that?

I don't think we made the right decisions on gameplan to attack properly. We have been hypnotized by Lovie that this is a running team but Rex continues to attack early and fail, then receive several chances on the very next down, while Benson finishes a good run with a double digit gain and hes getting yanked after a questionable fumble.

[Cliff Levingston]

The idea is to have a balanced offense; 50/50 run pass so (presumably) the defense doesn't know what's coming. We can't just run because we're not effective in passing... we haven't shown that ability to be able to do that this year.

What's much more of a concern to Cliff Levingston is the almost complete lack of play action passes. Rex was at his very best off the play action last year and we've had some success running the ball this year. Where's the play action?

[dougthonus]

Our offense should've been dominated by runs. If we had Peyton Manning than I could see the split. Peyton can do fine on a 2nd and long or a third and 10, Rex can't. Passing half the times is pretty high for a team that has stated is a running team.

I disagree. You need to pass about half the time or else you will have everyone sitting in the box and the run will be entirely ineffective.

We should've ran, ran, pass; or ran, pass, ran on most 1-3 down progressions, and running all run plays on first down. A lot of times we would pass and nothing more, then we'd run all three downs with a 3rd and longer than 5.

Looking at the play by play this simply isn't the case.

I don't think we made the right decisions on gameplan to attack properly. We have been hypnotized by Lovie that this is a running team but Rex continues to attack early and fail, then receive several chances on the very next down, while Benson finishes a good run with a double digit gain and hes getting yanked after a questionable fumble.

We yanked Benson because we were down by 17 in the 4th quarter and he's not a good receiver or pass blocker. I don't think it had much to do with the fumble.

[Howling Mad]

I would say early you'd like to see the run set up the pass, since the opposite of that isn't at all possible with our offense.

When our passing game vanished after the first drive yesterday I wanted us to go strictly back to the run and establish that to open up the middle for the TEs.

In the second half Rex had a good run up the middle 'cause the LB were cheating back. Then on the very next plays he hit Clark then Olsen for huge gains. Thats exactly what can happen if the run is established, and preferably up the middle with Benson.

[Howling Mad]

...or else you will have everyone sitting in the box and the run will be entirely ineffective.

Exactly why you bait them into run run run, then open it up for the TE, then slip one to Bernard for a 50+ gain.

Looking at the play by play this simply isn't the case.

Now having looked at it... we did pass too many times early for my taste, especially on first downs.
Also, I consider a 2 yard screen/flank when you need 8 yards on 3rd down, an equivalent to a run play.

We yanked Benson because we were down by 17 in the 4th quarter and he's not a good receiver or pass blocker. I don't think it had much to do with the fumble.

Also after looking at the play calling... your probably right. We were only down by 7 when he fumbled but the offense didn't see the ball till a lot later and we were down by 17 'cause Rex threw an interception on the first play on the next series.

[dougthonus]

Now having looked at it... we did pass too many times early for my taste, especially on first downs.

Drive summary:
1: 6 plays, 3 run, 3 pass, 1 of each on 1st down. (punt)
2: 14 play, 7 run, 7 pass, 4 runs on 1st, 2 passes on 1s (fg)
3: 3 plays, 1 run, 2 pass, 1 pass on 1st (ends in INT)
4: 3 plays, 2 run, 1 pass, 1 run on 1st (punt)
5: 4 plays, 3 run, 1 pass, 2 runs on 1st (one was a penalty) (punt)
6: 5 plays, 5 passes, 2 passes on 1st down (drive starts at 2:05) (miss fg)
7: 5 plays, 5 passes, 1 passes on 1st down (drive starts at 38 seconds time runs out)
8: 6 plays, 4 passes, 2 runs, 1 of each on 1st (TD)
9: 2 plays, 1 pass, 1 run, pass on 1st, ends in Benson fumble
10: 1 play, 1 pass, interception returned for TD Bears now down 17

So remove the 2 drives that were when we were in the hurry up offense due to the clock, and we ran the ball more than half the time on 1st down before the lead was 3 scores.

[Howling Mad]

I would've liked more running on first downs. Plus the fact that our passing game just vanished all of a sudden after the first few drives I wanted a lot more running.

We went from good drive on number 1, to ok drive with a positive result(fg, after starting past 50yrd line). Then downhill with two punts, this is when we should've stuck with the run to open it up. Even before that.

Then after halftime we came out firing to the sideline, I believe. Don't like that call. The momentum was in the air at the time after the muffed sacked call at the end of the 2nd quarter. We should've came out and established the run since our passing game had no production. Instead Big Head Lovie and coaching staff wanted to keep passing. Wahts with this supreme confidence in our non existent passing? Did the coaching staff along with the media spin one up for the fans during training camp? Where is this potent offense?

It seemed like Rex was forced into getting out of his funk. He got way more leeway than he should've have.

[dougthonus]

We went from good drive on number 1, to ok drive with a positive result(fg, after starting past 50yrd line). Then downhill with two punts, this is when we should've stuck with the run to open it up. Even before that.

Okay, you've agreed to look past the first 2 drives.

On the next 3 drives, we ran 6 times vs 4 passes, and 2 of the passes were because we were in 3rd and long where we clearly aren't going to run. We had 1 run on 3rd and long where we wanted to just pick up a few yards for a closer field goal attempt. On 1st/2nd down we went 5 run vs 2 pass.

After that we were in the 2 minute drill, and we had to pass to try and move the ball in the time alloted.

Coming back from the half, we have a TD drive with 2 runs and 4 passes. Presumably you aren't complaining that we passed too much on the only successful drive of the game, so we'll pass over that one.

Next drive 1 pass, 1 run, and Benson fumbles on the run.

Next drive Rex throws an INT on the first pass.

Now we are down 3 scores.

I don't know, to me it looks like we did exactly what you wanted us to do, but it just wasn't successful.

[Howling Mad]

The first couple drives I didn't have a problem with although I would've liked to see more running. Then after that we passed a lot.

Even the TD drive, which yes, was successful, but we passed to the sidelines several times and it would of been to our benefit to set up the run. Honestly I really don't care we got a touchdown out of that drive because this team wins games by controlling tempo and protecting the defense.

We did neither of the two.

We passed the ball and went into full attack mode to try to steal the momentum, which at first we were successful but Dallas answered quick. I understand the gameplan here; get ahead so the defense can pin their ears back and work.

I would've rather went with setting up the run controlling the line of scrimmage and then work outwards, opening it up for the TE and eventually the WR.

To me it seemed like we tried to set up the run with some passes to the WR towards the sideline. Then the gameplan hoped this would open up the middle. All I can say is at least it was a gameplan, 'cause basic fundamental football is inside-out, not outside-in.

[dougthonus]

Then after that we passed a lot.

After the first 2 drives, we ran 5 times and passed twice on 1st and 2nd down.

We then entered the 2 minute drill for 2 drives? Do you think we should have ran the ball then?

After that we had 1 TD drive, and we had 2 drives with turnovers in the first 2 plays.

I agree that we need to run, but I disagree with your opinion on how much effort we put into it this past week. It seemed like we tried to establish the run until we had no time left and were down by too many points.

[Icness]

I like the premise of your initial question: why does Rex get more rope than Benson?

I would suggest it speaks volumes about how Lovie feels about Brian Greise and Kyle Orton. Plus the fact that Lovie basically mortgaged 2006 on his unending support of Rex, and it worked out.

I would also suggest it speaks volumes about Lovie's overall coaching ability. Funny how when I brought that up preseason I got lambasted, but now that's the talk of the town now when people are done ripping Rex and crying about the defensive injuries. I've never understood why people thought he was such a great coach--with that roster in that division he'd better win 10+ games and coast to division titles. Not saying he needs to go or anything--he's better than Norv Turner or Brad Childress, among others--but ease off on the Lovie=Ditka talk that predominated this offseason.

[CBS7]

Surprisingly, Grossman isn't the interception/turnover leader through 3 weeks. its Brees with 7 picks and 9 total turnovers.

[Howling Mad]

After the first 2 drives, we ran 5 times and passed twice on 1st and 2nd down.

We then entered the 2 minute drill for 2 drives? Do you think we should have ran the ball then?

After that we had 1 TD drive, and we had 2 drives with turnovers in the first 2 plays.

I agree that we need to run, but I disagree with your opinion on how much effort we put into it this past week. It seemed like we tried to establish the run until we had no time left and were down by too many points.

We did try to establish the run, but our steps in the process were all wrong. We passed way too much on first down. As I said I would've like no passes on first.

When you pass on first down your gambling. If you get a good gain your set up for an easy first, but that doesn't happen often and our QB is rex. First down is the most unpredictable play for the QB to judge and Rex is already inept at picking up defensive shifts and audibles, basically anything after the snap.

Now when you run on first down it might not pay dividends right away, maybe not even on the next possession, but if your patient and commit to the run early you can eventually open up the field.

After the two drives into the two minute drill and after halftime I would've liked to see us run run run the ball. I know its boring football, but it eats up clock, which in turn, helps protect our defense, meanwhile tiring out the Cowboys' defense and all this while controlling tempo of the game.

If we had had some production from the passing game, which vanished after the first two drives, then I could see us sticking with the pass but there was no reason to come out in the second half firing like we did.

[Howling Mad]

I would also suggest it speaks volumes about Lovie's overall coaching ability. Funny how when I brought that up preseason I got lambasted, but now that's the talk of the town now when people are done ripping Rex and crying about the defensive injuries. I've never understood why people thought he was such a great coach--with that roster in that division he'd better win 10+ games and coast to division titles. Not saying he needs to go or anything--he's better than Norv Turner or Brad Childress, among others--but ease off on the Lovie=Ditka talk that predominated this offseason.

Lovie continues to go to what has worked for him. Taking chances early, stealing the momentum by big plays, then gambling on defense while you possess a large lead. Last year this game plan had a lot of factors contributing that made it work.

1) Rex had absolutely no film for defenses.
2) Bernard came out of the woodwork
3) Thomas Jones

Now lets shoot those reason down.

1 - As we all witnessed after mid way through the season, Rexsteria was in full effect, but after defenses picked up on his tendencies and realized the Bears had a somewhat legit offense, Rex was no more and along went the offense.

2 - This year you see a lot of linebackers playing in the backfield against the Bears where as in past years they would load the box on TJ. Nobody knew Bernard was going to be as good as he was, but now he gets a lot more attention. Defenses have figured out how to shut down Bernard and Moose simultaneously, which didn't happen so often last year.

3 - The O-line now sucks or Cedric doesn't get respect, or both. They don't load the box like they use to when Orton was QB, sucks for Rex.


Now having said all that, why can't Lovie shift back to the dumbed down Orton era gameplan?

Ya know, we run run run the ball, then we ask Rex to manage the game and cringe if we have a 3rd and 10.

[Icness]

^^
Great post!

[chitownsports4ever]

The city and coaching staff became awe struck with sexy rexy after a few big passing games and sold our teams soul to the high risk high reward game plan.

Rex has been Cade Mcknown with locker room respect essentially and Im not sure he could mentally handle the Orton offense.He never audibled mainly because his ability to read defenses is weak and the coaching staff didnt trust his decision making .

The coaching staff tried to use Grossman in the only way he could be successful and he still fell on his face.

The run game would be much improved with a better underneath passing games something Rex couldnt do.

[Howling Mad]

The city and coaching staff became awe struck with sexy rexy after a few big passing games and sold our teams soul to the high risk high reward game plan.

Rex has been Cade Mcknown with locker room respect essentially and Im not sure he could mentally handle the Orton offense.He never audibled mainly because his ability to read defenses is weak and the coaching staff didnt trust his decision making .

The coaching staff tried to use Grossman in the only way he could be successful and he still fell on his face.

The run game would be much improved with a better underneath passing games something Rex couldnt do.

Rex gets compensated well enough and has played poorly enough to have to deal with running an Orton offense. His gun slinger mentality that people were drooling over in the first 7 games last year is now getting him in trouble. He can't handle settling for what the defense gives him, he repeatedly takes shots down field, without checking his options. Didn't he say he already has his mind set up before the snap?

Last year was a little different with no film on him and not really having a dependent tight end. Clark was injured for part of the season and never really got going. This year Clark and Olsen are up the middle for him and there should be no reason to repeatedly gamble down the field.

Our most successful drive on Sunday night was a run up the middle for a 10+ yard gain(albeit Rex), then two sequential passes up the middle, both to tight ends. First to Clark and then Olsen to the 1-2 yard line.

Give Cedric more runs. That comes from a TJ supporter.

[Cliff Levingston]

ICLO, not only would benching Rex be good for the team right now, it would be good for Rex. The scrutiny is only going to get tougher from here on out and he doesn't need it.

Sit him down, let him clear his head and just watch what Griese can do. Perhaps it would help a lot to watch what Griese does, noticing what the defenses are giving us from a different view other than from behind center. Maybe Rex can bounce back as a result.

It would also be humbling to him. Perhaps he hasn't worked as hard or as he could or just hasn't appreciated the chance he's been given enough. Being benched is the ultimate insult to an athlete's ability and Rex seems like he has some pride... maybe it'll motivate him.

Cliff Levingston could care less though, he just wants Griese in there now.