Thread: In NFL, when offense doesn't produce, defense can get ornery

In NFL, when offense doesn't produce, defense can get ornery

The Bears aren't at that point — yet

There is an interesting dynamic that takes place in NFL locker rooms when one side of the ball starts to carry a team. It isn't talked about in the media and coaches will deny it, but it can become an issue when games are lost.

The Giants physically whipped the Bears' offense Sunday night. Sacks, missed blocks and poor execution. Unfortunately, that happens. The wheels can come off so quickly in this league that it is often nearly impossible to recover. One or two plays that go wrong can burn a game plan. Panic breaks out on the sidelines, because no matter what you do as a defensive player there is no help from your offense. Forcing a three-and-out isn't enough, and giving up a field goal becomes a lead you can't overcome.

As a defensive player in the NFL, you treat it professionally. No time to grab a drink on the sideline or even make a simple adjustment with the coaching staff. Grab that helmet and go back onto the field. Encourage your offense during timeouts and do what you can to give them the ball on the doorstep of the end zone. That is how you play. And, you live with it — for now.

But, frustration comes quickly in this league. I experienced it as a defensive player. There was a new offense under Joe Gibbs in his return to the NFL, but no production. There were games where we would play close to 80 snaps. Guys would sit at their lockers after the game with blank stares on their faces, too tired to take off their gear.


Do it again the following week and the week after that. Carry the football team just to stay competitive. The losses started to pile up and we went into meetings throughout the week trying to come up with ways to score as a defense. We would pass each other on the sidelines with nothing to say. That encouragement? Gone. Replaced by demands for the offense to start earning their paychecks.

Winning can sweep it under the rug. The Baltimore Ravens did it for a decade. The defense not only carried that football team, but won games, including a Super Bowl. It is the losing that turns the sidelines into junior high recess. It can get nasty. That is when the finger-pointing starts. Teams — and seasons — become divided. String together a losing streak and that locker room will start talking. Anyone who has played defense in the NFL can attest to that.

Here in Chicago, this football team isn't at that point. One loss after a 3-0 start isn't going to derail a season. There are corrections that can be made to Mike Martz's offense. As a defensive player, you respect that; believe in your offensive teammates and your quarterback. But that only lasts for a while if you don't see the results in the win column.

After playing at Glenbard West and Iowa, Matt Bowen spent seven seasons in the NFL as a strong safety with the Rams, Packers, Redskins and Bills, including playing for Lovie Smith and Mike Martz in St. Louis. When he's not writing for the Tribune, you can find his work at nationalfootballpost.com.