All games are on the HC, I guess. But thinking of this game, I think McV has special responsibilities.
We face probably the best defense we've faced. And, some lesser but pretty good defenses have made our lives difficult. Part of that difficulty lies in McV's sometimes stubborn game plans.
Chicago can rush the passer really well. And our OL, though solid, is vulnerable to the rush. Further, Goff has a tendency to wait too long in the pocket and then often lose the ball. Their strength aligns with out weakness.
So what will make this worse? If Goff drops back a lot to allow those slow-developing mid-range routes to open up, I think we'll be in trouble. He'll especially be in trouble in 3rd and long.
The Bears also defend the run well. Contrary to common, knee-jerk commentary, running the ball is not a virtue in itself. When you run and gain little, you put yourself in bad down-and-distance scenarios. I imagine that Gurley will face some pretty tough sledding, at least early.
Which brings us back to the pass. After all, our pass blocking is much more heavily tied to play action than usual. If we can't run, it will be even harder to throw down-field.
I think the Bears pose a really hard test because they are tough in precisely the areas our offense wants to go. I believe that, if McV stubbornly relies on his usual tactics--tight formations, runs, play action, and throwing downfield--we will struggle and perhaps lose.
Back in the 70s, an episode of M*A*S*H had Radar talking to an Iowa running back about a tough game. They couldn't run or throw downfield. But they found a solution: the short pass. There's nothing new here. But McV avoids quick throws. In this game, he'd better embrace them. In my opinion, the run will not set up the pass this Sunday. Effective and consistent quick passes will drive the Bears back off the LOS and open up the run.
Here's my desired formula for this week:
- Maintain a fast pace--no huddle, quick snaps, press, press, press.
- Spread the Bears out with wide formations.
- Throw quickly just behind the pass rush.
- Run straight at Mack with power, over and over, wearing him out.
- Do not ask Goff and the OL to deal with the pass rush with deep drops until we've earned it with quick throws and effective running.
With a good game plan, we can blunt a the Bear defense's aggressiveness. But with a stubborn one insisting on the OL holding their blocks for a long time while Goff searches the field, we could be in big trouble.
This game, I believe, is on McV.
