Are We Still A Running Team?

[Chewie]

You know Lovie's saying...."We're a team that gets off the bus running the football.". Heck - you know Bears football for that matter. We win with defense and special teams and hope the offense doesn't screw it up. Three yards and a cloud of dust, right?

Well, is all that going to change now? Are we going to realize what we have and Turner's going to open up the playbook a little? Are we done with the WR screen?

Cutler put up those numbers last year because he's a good QB - yes - but Denver had absolutely zilch at RB and an awful defense which put the onus squarely on his shoulders. Our defense isn't a ton better but Forte is legit and we spent some money re-tooling our o-line with big boys.

So - are we a pass-first team now that we have a legit QB or do we use the fact that teams aren't stacking 8 in the box any longer and run, run, run ?

[WookieOnRitalin]

Chew, I think that is still going to be the mentality of this team going forward. However, with some new additions to the line this year, we might have to be patient about running the ball especially early in the season. I think what we have now is confidence that we have a QB can make big plays when we need them. Having that additional weapon in the arsenal makes people respect our team more. You are not going to see teams stack 8 in the box against us with Cutler at the helm. They'll have to respect his ability and that is actually going to help him so much. In fact, Cutler's arm makes this a great time to be a Tight End or a Running Back in our offense. It will open up the middle of the field because of the threat of the deep ball. Forte, Wolfe, Clark, and Olsen are going to be firepower in this offense.

I honestly do not think we get away from Bears Football because we got Cutler. I honestly think that Cutler just makes us a better running team because of his skill. In fact, this could actually work towards the advantage and health of Matt Forte. He will not have to be the horse carrying this team game to game. Rather, we can now have confidence in a Quarterback who can take a substantial load off of Matt Forte. Assuming you can build around those two guys in the future, keeping Forte healthy early in his career is going to be delight. I think what you're going to see is our QUALITY of running go up because of the addition of Cutler and see the QUANTITY of running go down. I think we'll see longer runs and better yards per carry.

What weird is, my expectations for Jay are so low that I'll probably be easily impressed. I guess for a lot of people, if he doesn't make the Pro Bowl again he's a wash. I honestly don't care about that. Big Ben is not the best passer in the league, but he gets it done. My view of Jay is much the same way. Stay within yourself and don't do too much. You have a team around you of guys who have shown that they get it done as well. His job more than anything is going to put the ball where his teammates can have success with it and minimize mistakes. Having a successful ground game is going to have a lot to do with that.

So are we going to run the ball less/more? I think in the mind of Jay Cutler, he could care less about his stats. He just wants to win ball games. I think his attitude coming into training camp is that the best way to shut up his critics is not to put up numbers, but to put up W's. If we do that running the football, then all the better for Jay. Less pressure on him. Still, its good to know that if and when we need to put the ball in his hands, he can get it done. He's a play maker. Those guys just don't grow on trees ya know.

[DJhitek]

I think we will throw the ball down field a lot more but this team should still rely on Forte to carry a good load. It'll keep Cutler upright for the most part and Cutler has never really had a great ground game. Maybe that changes here....

[Chewie]

As usual, a well-thought out answer, Wookie. Actually, I don't know Cutler well enough to say he's not a stats man. And the devil's advocate would say if it was all about wins, we had a guy in Orton that put up mediocre numbers but had a superb winning percentage - especially at home. But, if you're looking at the big picture and you want to do some damage in the playoffs, Orton's not the guy to get you there.

While the threat of Cutler throwing is one thing, at some point you actually do have to take some shots down the field to keep the D honest to prevent more stacking. If you're not taking advantage of the weapon you have in Cutler, teams are going to see that and game-plan for it. In my book, you take what the defense gives you.

Can't argue with your point on how this helps the team as a whole - Forte could well put up some monster numbers next year. I don't see why pro bowl talk would be out of the question and I'm far from a rah-rah optimist guy (ask emperor). He's a guy that knows what to do when he hits the second level of the defense and not having the box stacked will really show that aspect of his game off. Keeping our defense off the field for long periods of time will do wonders as well.

I don't think you can minimize the impact this potentially can have on our team not just given Cutler's obvious pure passing skills but due to his ability to bootleg and keep plays alive that usually results in sacks of other QBs. This is just huge for us.

Wondering why your expectations are low ?

[Chewie]

I think we will throw the ball down field a lot more but this team should still rely on Forte to carry a good load. It'll keep Cutler upright for the most part and Cutler has never really had a great ground game. Maybe that changes here....

What's amazing about Cutler's elusiveness in the pocket is that they had no ground game over there in Denver like you said but he was only sacked 11 times despite having to pass so much. That's just an amazing number. It speaks to his offensive line as well but Cutler knows how to dodge a sack despite not having great speed.

[Howling Mad]

Yeah I think we're still a running team, just more productive when passing.

Well, is all that going to change now?

Not change, but it won't seem so much like a running team because we'll get production from the passing game.

Are we going to realize what we have and Turner's going to open up the playbook a little?

I don't think it was Turner's doing by not going to certain plays, I think it was the attack. I don't know anything about his play book, but I keep hearing the long passing game is a big catalyst in his offense. If thats true, then I doubt we've seen its full potential, only seeing a very few number of long passes last year.

Are we done with the WR screen?

I actually think our WR screen and our RB screen just got a whole lot better. Cutler's running ability is a whole new component in the equation. We can option, fake to the RB, then go to the WR for the screen, the options are greater.

So - are we a pass-first team now that we have a legit QB or do we use the fact that teams aren't stacking 8 in the box any longer and run, run, run ?

I think it just opens up our options allowing us to be more aggressive in our attack.

Statistically, Cutler passed for over 616 attempts, thats A LOT!
Last year, Orton had 465, and the team had 528, Rex with 62, Maynard had 1.
Denver's RB by committee didn't work last year, and we have Forte, that'll be the difference. If Cutler has all the attempts next year, I'm assuming, I'd predict 550 or so. With an average of 7.? per play, putting him just under 4000 yards.

[Balance-a-Bull]

We now get off the bus with a balanced attack with Cutler that is slanted more towards passing than running now.

We by default had to get off the bus running since we never a franchise pro-bowl QB to lead the offense.

Cutler adds a dimension that Lovie did have the luxury of having during his tenure a Head coach. I through the Bears lore it has been smash mouth grid it out blue collar football....however we only what two QB's in 46 years to make the pro-bowl, so we had no choice.

Now we have a pro-bowl QB.... so let's take advantage of this opportunity and open up the offense and become less predictable and preserve Forte to extend his effectiveness and career by mixing it up.

We may never get a chance like this again....so open up the playbook and put some points on the board and not put all of the pressure on the defense to win.

The NFL is a passing league and you can't catch up ...you will be left behind.

Arizona came up and won the Superbowl based on a superb passing attack and now we have QB at the helm capable of taking us to the next level... we just need to make sure he is surrounded by players to make that happen.

[chitownsports4ever]

We should still be a running team but Im not sure . The Broncos can always run the ball Tatum Bell was a 1000 yard back for the Broncos and we know the broncos can turn anyone into a 1000 yard back with that line . The Broncos were pass happy plain and simple even when the RBs were doing great they still barely got any touches . In that final game of the season Tatum Bell broke off a 20-30 yard run for a td early on the game and only touches the ball 7 more times ?I dont think they ever committed to running the ball last year even with the injuries which is strange considering they averaged 4.8 yards per carry while we averaged 3.9 . I think they became so enamored by the passing game that they became completely unbalanced as a offense . But we have Forte so I fully expect us to stay a running team .

[Cliff Levingston]

Cliff Levingston really believes we'll be a balanced attack, not a passing team that some might think we will be. Cutler isn't a guy who just want to sling it all the time and he'll probably love having such a solid all-around back like Forte behind him.

Turner's offensive system has never been about running it 60% of the time either. He likes the 50/50 balanced attack. It should be really nice now that we'll have a good ground game complimented by a dangerous passing attack. Turner should have the option most of the time to use either game to open up the other.

Dare Cliff Levingston say that we'll actually have a top 10 offense this year? Man would that be weird.

[dingojazz]

I think the Best thing Lovie and Ron could do is not classify us as a "running team" or a "pass first team."

We finally have the ability to TAKE WHAT THE DEFENSE GIVES US. That is what great offenses do. If they are sitting back taking away the downfield pass, pound them with Forte. If that safety is creeping up, go over the top with Cutler.

When you can run and pass you can keep defenses on their heels, and keep them guessing. Play action pass could be huge for us.

I could see some games where Cutler throws is 40 or 45 times and other games where he throws it under 30 times.

[WookieOnRitalin]

Arizona came up and won the Superbowl based on a superb passing attack and now we have QB at the helm capable of taking us to the next level... we just need to make sure he is surrounded by players to make that happen.

Except Arizona did not win the Superbowl and had Larry "Jesus Reincarnated Floats on Water" Fitzgerald and Boldin.

[emperorjones]

Dare Cliff Levingston say that we'll actually have a top 10 offense this year? Man would that be weird.

WEIRD INDEED. And young in all the right places on offense.

I'm feeling like my friend who was a die hard Red Sox fan for 30 years when the won it all. Didn't know what to do with himself. Don't let Nicks or Britt drop to us in the 2nd round.

Just doesn't seem right that we could be an.....OFFENSIVE JUGGERNAUT!

[Balance-a-Bull]

Arizona came up and won the Superbowl based on a superb passing attack and now we have QB at the helm capable of taking us to the next level... we just need to make sure he is surrounded by players to make that happen.

Except Arizona did not win the Superbowl and had Larry "Jesus Reincarnated Floats on Water" Fitzgerald and Boldin.

Thank you on the correction about Zona not taking all.

Zona was able to make it there with a spectacular passing attack and a mediocre run game almost pulled it out in the end against the best defense in the NFL.

Cutler gives a chance... along with the formidable running and receiving ability of Forte....to have a balanced attack favored with the pass to get to that level.... granted Culter is surrounded with other key components to achieve at the highest level.

I can see a lot of play action lobs to Forte that will create all kind of havoc once the filed is opened up.

Balance on offense is the key... that way we keep them guessing and we have them in our back pocket then. We we still run the ball.. we just do not have to feature the run when we have a pro-bowl QB running the show.

Let's mix it up baby.

[DJhitek]

I think we will throw the ball down field a lot more but this team should still rely on Forte to carry a good load. It'll keep Cutler upright for the most part and Cutler has never really had a great ground game. Maybe that changes here....

What's amazing about Cutler's elusiveness in the pocket is that they had no ground game over there in Denver like you said but he was only sacked 11 times despite having to pass so much. That's just an amazing number. It speaks to his offensive line as well but Cutler knows how to dodge a sack despite not having great speed.

I agree, he gets rid of the ball as well.

But I certainly don't want to take chances with an aging defense and average OL that we have currently. Goes to show you how great that Denver OL really is.

[kyrv]

You know Lovie's saying...."We're a team that gets off the bus running the football.". Heck - you know Bears football for that matter. We win with defense and special teams and hope the offense doesn't screw it up. Three yards and a cloud of dust, right?

Well, is all that going to change now? Are we going to realize what we have and Turner's going to open up the playbook a little? Are we done with the WR screen?

Cutler put up those numbers last year because he's a good QB - yes - but Denver had absolutely zilch at RB and an awful defense which put the onus squarely on his shoulders. Our defense isn't a ton better but Forte is legit and we spent some money re-tooling our o-line with big boys.

So - are we a pass-first team now that we have a legit QB or do we use the fact that teams aren't stacking 8 in the box any longer and run, run, run ?

Lovie is full of cr*p. Don't the Bears pass more than they run?

The Bears don't get off the bus running. Two years ago they were one of the worst running teams in the NFL. I'm amazed that Lovie can just keep repeating something that's not true, people will believe it. Interesting sociology and psychology going on there. But I digress.

[kyrv]

Okay I went here http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/teams/chi/s ... tDpySA2bYF

and looks like they passed almost 100 more times than they rushed.

That's not a running team.

I'm new posting here, but please, don't feed the BS that Lovie and the media feed you.

The Titans are a running team. Bears pass more than they run. That will likely continue.

The Bears don't need to change their philosophy. At all. Not one iota.

Sorry for the lecture tone but BS like this bugs the carp out of me.

[Cliff Levingston]

Lovie is full of cr*p. Don't the Bears pass more than they run?

The idea is that they want to be running team, but it's a lot easier said than done... obviously.

[Chewie]

Cliff's right....Lovie WANTS to be a running team but when defenses don't respect your passing game and stack the box and virtually DARE YOU to pass, your hand is forced. Tough to run as much when you're behind on the scoreboard, too.

I suppose one could argue getting Cutler will make us even more balanced as some have posted already. When the defense doesn't know what's coming and you're equally dangerous in the passing and running game, you've got them right where you want them. I imagine we'll see more rushing and passing attempts as our offense should have the ball longer.

[DanTown8587]

The question is can Cutler succeed with such questionable receivers. If he can, than the Bears are likely to be a possible NFC title winner. If he can't, I think they still win the division but have a tough time winning a playoff game.

I think some WR is going to fall and the Bears are going to move up and try and get him (like a 2nd and a Fourth for a higher second and seventh) and that guy is your new #1 since Torry Holt won't come here. Than you have to make a move for a veteran to be that #2 guy and let Hester be the #3, where he will be more comfortable and have more favorable match-ups.

But I think the Bears will use the run even more than they did last year because you will see less eight man boxes against them and because Cutler gives you a better chance to convert 3&long. If the Bears were stopped for no gain or lost yards on first down, it was two straight throws on second and third down because the Bears couldn't attack the defense vertically, so they needed two throws to convert. Now, on Second&10 you can still run the ball because Cutler can pick up a third and long better than Orton ever could.

I think the Bears are now a balanced team hopefully, one that can take shots down the field and hit the hole and get some nice runs.

[kyrv]

Lovie is full of cr*p. Don't the Bears pass more than they run?

The idea is that they want to be running team, but it's a lot easier said than done... obviously.

He says they ARE a running team. They get off the bus running. Great running, great defense (neither of which is true).

He keeps saying it. Knucklehead national media just repeat it.

All this of course, with the NFL today, you need passing, or minimally be balanced. There's only a few teams at most that run more than they pass. None of them were in the Super Bowl.

The three yards and a cloud of dust hasn't been true about the NFL for a LONG time.

Again, Lovie says the Bears ARE a running team. He's full of sh*t. They are not. And I'm not complainig that they aren't, just stating, that it's factually true, they pass more than they run. Like most NFL teams.