Bears, Packers draw line of demarcation
The epiphany for the Bears' coaching staff came after back-to-back home losses to the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Redskins that sent them into the bye week with a record of 4-3.
The Bears ran a combined 30 times in those two games for a total of 127 yards, a respectable 4.2 yards per carry.
But it wasn't about how well they ran the ball; it was more about how infrequently they ran it, especially compared to how frequently they were throwing it.
Practically ignoring the ground game, the Bears threw 79 passes in those two games for 502 yards, which are acceptable numbers in today's NFL.
But with defenses free to disregard the run, the rush was coming after quarterback Jay Cutler. He was sacked 10 times and picked off five times, a pair of statistics that factored heavily in the losses.
Since then, however, the Bears are the only NFL team that has produced more runs (238) than passes (231), and that didn't happen by accident.
“We made a qualified decision to do that because that was the best way for us to win,” said offensive coordinator Mike Martz, whose reputation has been built through the air, not on the ground.
“We've been lights out on defense; special teams are off the charts. Our part was to hang on to that ball, get points and protect those areas and get better as we grow. We've been able to do that.”
Heading into the bye week, the Bears were averaging 88.6 rushing yards per game (30th in the NFL) and 24 runs per game. Since then the Bears have averaged 117.5 rushing yards and 29 carries.
“You look at the quality that we have in terms of runners,” Martz said. “Matt (Forte) right now, it's just outrageous the way he's playing. He's just been fantastic. I knew he was really a good player, (but) he's been pretty special.”
Since making a stronger commitment to the run, the Bears are 7-1 heading into Sunday's regular-season finale against the rival Green Bay Packers (9-6), who will make the playoffs with a win over the Bears.
At 11-4, the Bears are headed to the playoffs for the first time in four years, with a first-round bye and an outside shot at the top seed in the NFC if they beat the Packers and the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints both lose.
The Falcons and Saints both play early afternoon games, so the Bears should know their chances for a No. 1 seed before kickoff.
The Bears, however, couldn't have reached this position without a much more effective offensive line.
Since the break the Bears have started the same five players at the same five positions in every game. They had five O-line changes in the first seven games.
“All the credit goes to the guys up front,” Forte said. “They've been getting on the right guys and playing hard up there.
“We're more confident each week and we know who to (block). They can play faster that way, and that allows me to play faster. Once they block everybody up, it's my job to get through the hole and try to make somebody miss.”
In the first nine games Forte averaged 52 yards on 14 carries for a 3.8-yard average. In the last six games he has averaged 85 yards on 16 carries for a 5.2-yard average.
Forte has reached a comfort level running behind left tackle Frank Omiyale, left guard Chris Williams, center Olin Kreutz, right guard Roberto Garza and right tackle J'Marcus Webb that he didn't have earlier in the season.
“On a lot of plays, they're pulling out there in space, and I've got to set the block up or know how they're going to get them (blocked),” Forte said. “We go through that in reps in practice, and we have a lot of chemistry.”
Continuity is sometimes an overused word when it comes to describing the performance of an offensive line. That's because it's essential.
But there are other factors at work in the Bears' improved line play.
“Continuity's a part of it, keeping the same group together,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said. “It starts with (offensive line coach) Mike Tice, too. Mike has done a great job with them. They buy into what we're trying to do.
“You have to give the guys a lot of credit. Of course, everyone was criticizing them, (but) they come to work each day trying to get better and we're seeing the results of it now.”
While the Bears' offensive line still ranks last in the league thanks to 50 sacks for the season, the improvement has been evident.
Last week against the New York Jets and their highly ranked defense, the line gave Cutler enough time to pull out a 38-34 victory. Cutler closed the game with 215 yards passing and 3 touchdowns; he was sacked only twice.
Forte's 19 rushes netted the offense another 113 yards and wore down the Jets' defense.
That won't be easy to duplicate against the Packers, who are coming off their best performance of the season last week.
They are expecting the same effort from the Bears.
“Lovie said he's going to play his guys,” Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “I trust him, believe him. I'm sure they want to go to the playoffs on a high note and they still have a chance to be the top seed, so we're expecting their best shot.”
The Bears certainly would love to knock the Packers out of the playoffs with a victory, but they can't do that alone. Green Bay still could make the postseason with a loss if Tampa Bay and the New York Giants both lose.
ŸFollow Bob LeGere's Bears reports via Twitter@BobLeGere. Check out his blog, Bear Essentials at DailyHerald.com.