The popular phrase -- or punch line -- that the Bears get off the bus running has been tweaked.
It's a way of life, if you will, not necessarily the title of the Bears' playbook.
"When I say get off the bus running the football, I mean that is a mindset," coach Lovie Smith said Monday after the hiring of offensive coordinator Mike Martz was announced. "The run will always be a part of what we're going to do. I mean Chicago, we play in the elements. That won't change.
"But there's nothing wrong with being able to run the football well and having balance to be able to pass the football. That's what I'm excited about. ... It's not just Mike that's coming in, it's (offensive-line coach) Mike Tice and what he will bring to the table. We're looking for balance to be able to run and pass the ball."
Translated, Matt Forte will not have 316 carries like he did as a rookie in 2008. He might not reach the 258 he had last season, especially if his performance (and the performance of the run-blocking) doesn't improve.
The misconception is that Martz doesn't run the football. His teams have run very well at times, and he has found dynamic ways to use running backs. Marshall Faulk was a dual-purpose threat with the St. Louis Rams.
Here is the third installment in a 12-part daily breakdown of the Bears' roster, looking at strengths and weaknesses and what the future might hold:
Running back/fullback
Roll Call: Kahlil Bell, Matt Forte, Kevin Jones, Adrian Peterson, Garrett Wolfe, Jason McKie.
2009 overview: The common wisdom is that the Bears were significantly worse running the ball in 2009 than they were the year before, when Forte set a franchise record for rookies with 1,238 yards rushing. That's not true. In fact, the Bears did a better job when they ran the ball. The offense shifted with the acquisition of quarterback Jay Cutler and changes were made on the line. In the end, the Bears were pretty much the same team rushing as they were the year before, they simply didn't have as many carries. The disparity came with Forte, who went from 3.9 yards per carry as a rookie to 3.6 last season. He finished with 929 yards and had four rushing touchdowns. Forte had arthroscopic knee surgery after the season, and that could be an explanation for some of his carries. He had more than 100 yards only twice, in the two meetings with the Detroit Lions. For the season, the Bears averaged 4.0 yards per carry. That's better than the 3.9 they had in 2008.
Jones was supposed to share the load with Forte, but he suffered a season-ending ankle injury in the final preseason game. Forte worked as a change-of-pace back briefly before he was injured and Bell was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster and given a chance. He showed flashes, particularly with a 72-yard run in his debut. Cutler proved to be effective tucking it and running at times, and that's all part of the big picture when it comes to the ground game.
One problem remained: The Bears struggled running in short-yardage situations, such as third-and-one. It haunted them in 2008 and it was a problem again. Forte is an upright runner and that doesn't suit him well to the tight, between-the-tackles running needed at those times.
By the numbers: Forte had 26 rushes for negative yards, more than one-tenth of his carries. It sounds like a lot, but consider that ranked only ninth in the league. Tennessee's Chris Johnson had 45 carries for negative yards. Minnesota's Adrian Peterson was next with 37. The difference is they're more capable of taking their next carry 80 yards than Forte.
Free agency/draft priority: There's no question the Bears could use a powerful change-of-pace back, the kind of runner that can move the pile for a tough yard. It would be nice to add an explosive back to the mix but there are certainly more pressing needs at this point. The Vikings' Chester Taylor has been mentioned as a possibility, but there are so many examples of teams finding productive backs in the late rounds of the draft and on the street that the Bears likely will look at a more affordable alternative.
Player to watch: Forte. What kind of player can he become in Martz's scheme? Faulk caught more than 80 passes a season in Martz's system and had nine receiving touchdowns in 2001. Forte isn't the same dynamic make-you-miss-in-the-open-field kind of runner, but he's polished as a pass-catcher and Cutler showed more confidence in him as the season went along. Forte caught eight passes for 120 yards in the loss at San Francisco. But more important than his role as a receiver will be his role as a runner. Can he improve and be more of a game-breaking threat?
Looking ahead: The Bears' Peterson will be an unrestricted free agent and it not expected to return after being a reliable role player for eight seasons. Jones is entering the final year of his contract and nothing is guaranteed for him. Wolfe returns from a rough injury, a bruised kidney, and he's going to have to battle for a roster spot but has proven to be a productive performer on special teams. Look for the team to add some type of competition, preferably a bigger back.
McKie's role will be something to watch. Forte is a more effective runner in two-back sets when he has a fullback. That was the case under Ron Turner and it's not going to change. Martz favors an abundance of four-receiver sets where there will not be room for two backs. McKie's role is bound to change some, and it will be interesting to see if Forte can flourish from single-back sets.
Bottom line: The Bears no longer get off the bus running, but they like to talk about having a physical attitude that is established at the point of attack. They need to be able to run the ball more effectively under Martz, and while he's pass-happy, it's something that can happen if they remain committed to it. Martz didn't run the ball with the Lions because the team was constantly playing from behind. There's a chance for this to work.
Bottom line: The Bears no longer get off the bus running, but they like to talk about having a physical attitude that is established at the point of attack. They need to be able to run the ball more effectively under Martz, and while he's pass-happy, it's something that can happen if they remain committed to it. Martz didn't run the ball with the Lions because the team was constantly playing from behind. There's a chance for this to work.
think this nails it, NEED TO BE MORE PHYSICAL, esp in short yardage( which tice should help with), and think the forte/bell/wolfe combo can be fine.. And would rather see the F/A $$ go to a top Olineman, De or Safety before another Rb like taylor.. liked what saw in bell
Bell isnt exactly Martz material but I guess if he puts in the work he can do something. I think AP needs to be let go. KJ needs to be cut. And Wolffe needs to be cut. Get a couple guys in FA to fill the roll or some 7 rounder.
Bell isnt exactly Martz material but I guess if he puts in the work he can do something. I think AP needs to be let go. KJ needs to be cut. And Wolffe needs to be cut. Get a couple guys in FA to fill the roll or some 7 rounder.
Wolfe in space fits what Martz likes to do.. and again problem with free agency is not sure how muhc better than bell any would be VS instead using that money for a O or D lineman or safety, think all 3 of those bigger Priorities
Im not looking for a stellar RB in FA. I think we have a clear number one guy. He wont be taking the beating under Martz. You are right Wolffe in space might work. But I just think his size kills anything positive about him. We can find plenty of minimum wage guys at rb they are around every year
Given the chance to get Taylor at a fair price, they need to jump all over that and let him compete with Forte. Life will go on without Wolfe.
and that's the conundrum, he will NOT come at a fair price, but an expense price.. there will be demand for him.. its like saying i'd like peppers at a fair price of $5 mill/season.. which isn't happening.
That's my point to get a top RB , will cost alot, and to pay a few million for a rb, much rather give tha to a Oline/DE or S.. and go bargin hunting later when low revenue teasm jettison some vet we can pick up for a 1 year deal( ala Pisa)... Chester is going to cost you close to starting money from someone
and that's the conundrum, he will NOT come at a fair price, but an expense price.. there will be demand for him.. its like saying i'd like peppers at a fair price of $5 mill/season.. which isn't happening.
That's my point to get a top RB , will cost alot, and to pay a few million for a rb, much rather give tha to a Oline/DE or S.. and go bargin hunting later when low revenue teasm jettison some vet we can pick up for a 1 year deal( ala Pisa)... Chester is going to cost you close to starting money from someone
Do you have the lottery numbers too?
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