Not The Greatest, But Maybe The Most Balanced Show On Turf
The Chicago Bears' offense underwent a transformation this season. They went from a pass-heavy to a balanced attacked, and that might be the best fit for the Bears.
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The Chicago Bears' offense underwent a transformation this season. They went from a pass-heavy to a balanced attacked, and that might be the best fit for the Bears.
Feel free to be as crazy as you want at Soldier Field on Sunday. Fortify yourself with your drink of choice, wave a sign with whatever risqué taunt you can create, wear your superfan-finest or be that shirtless guy, but promise one thing:
The beginning and end of the 2010 Chicago Bears' season look like complete opposites. And the defining change during the season took place during a week the Bears didn't play.
After losing the Super Bowl in 2006, the Bears selected Greg Olsen with the 31st overall pick in the NFL Draft. While some desire better stats and more blocking because of where he was drafted, his versatility should be the focus.
Solid pass protection usually portends potent offenses, and lots of points generally means lots of wins. In that regard, it's hardly a shock to see four of the top five teams in the New York Life Protection Index playoff bound.
Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo announced that he has no plans to step aside after this season. He even seemed to be rejuvenated with the Bears' success this season.
The last time Jay Cutler played postseason football was when he was in high school. Despite that long break from playoff action, Cutler is poised and read to make a run deep into the playoffs.
Most things this season have gone the way the Bears wanted. But the offensive performance in the regular season finale wasn't the way a team wants to enter the playoffs.
One year ago today, the leaders of the Bears held one of the worst press conferences in Chicago sports history.
Sunday's win was impressive for several reasons. The most impressive, however, might have been the emergence of a quick-strike offense.
Mike Martz had doubts about returning to coach before he joined the Bears for this season. Martz was just happy to be with a team again, now he's enjoying the rise to the top with the Bears.
Monday night's game resulted in a few things for the Bears. Devin Hester is now, officially, the greatest returner of all-time, as if that was ever in doubt.
It can be said that the Bears' success this season is related to the way Jay Cutler has been playing. And if you buy into that logic, then things can get even better for the Bears.
This may be it – the best day of this bizarre, 2010 Bears' season.
The Bears' defense has been consistent all season long and they've re-established themselves as one of the league's best. The offense, on the other had, has struggled at times, but also has shown flashes of a high powered offense.
How bad was New England's 36-7 defeat of the Bears on Sunday? Figure this; the Patriots were leading 33-0 at halftime while Jay Cutler and Mike Martz could only lead the beloved to 33 yards of total offense in the first half.
One of the biggest matchups in Sunday's game will be the Bears' offense against the Patriots' defense. The longer the Bears can keep Tom Brady off the field, the better chance they have to win.
The Bears' offensive line was taking a great deal of criticism in the early part of the season. They gave up an NFL-record number of sacks in the first half against the Giants, but have slowly improved.
Prominent aspects of this year's Bears discussion are winding together for Sunday afternoon's game against the Patriots at Soldier Field.
Jay Cutler has been improving week to week, and by the numbers has been playing some of the football of his career. But his offensive coordinator, Mike Martz, still sees room for improvement.
If the Bears are going to beat the Patriots on Sunday, the offense will have to put up some points. We've seen the Bears try to throw the ball all over the field and we've seen them commit to the run. Which offense will we see on Sunday?
Since the bye week the Mike Martz offense has taken on a different form. Instead of "the greatest show on turf," we're seeing a balanced offensive attack with a quick hitting passing game. But is that the offense the Bears will show on Sunday?
The Bears' offense has been making tremendous strides over the past few games. Jay Cutler's improvement has been most visible and it stems from a change in the Martz scheme.
The Bears are finally giving Jay Cutler some protection after changing up the rotation several times due to player performance and injuries. They finally have the right mix.
The Bears have invested a lot in Jay Cutler, both monetarily and in terms of what it took to get him. Because of that big investment it was important to get the right coach for him.
