Martz more elastic than flexible

In some ways, the 2010 version of Mike Martz is a new model.

After all, the Bears' offensive coordinator has called for, on average, just 2 more passes than runs per game this season. That's a far cry from his “Greatest Show on Turf” offenses in St. Louis, when the Rams would throw the ball to set up more pass plays.

But it's not as if Martz has become a Woody Hayes disciple, running a three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust offense. He may not have changed, but Martz has adapted.

“Flexible has probably never been a word that has been associated with my name,” Martz said with a smile, admitting he's developed some elasticity in his playcalling. “I like to think so. (But) that's a question for someone else, really.”

The player who works most closely with Martz, quarterback Jay Cutler, said the offensive mastermind has adapted.

“He's still doing what he does,” Cutler said. “It's hard to change 20-30 years of coaching and offensive philosophy in six games. (But) to his credit, he's been very flexible. He understands that in games, when things are going in a different direction, that we need to make a change.

“We're still putting in everything that we've got into game week, but on game day, that's more when he gets really flexible. I'll come off to the sideline and (tell him) if I see something and, if he sees something, he'll notify me. It's been a good relationship so far.”

Martz says he doesn't read the papers or listen to what's being said on TV or radio, yet he knows he's earned a reputation for doing things his way and his way alone. But at 59, he admits that maybe he has undergone some subtle changes after being out of the game last year as an analyst for the NFL Network following a one-and-done season with the San Francisco 49ers. Martz was asked if he has adapted to a situation this season that demanded a more balanced offensive approach.

“I think we all mature,” he said. “I probably matured later in life than a lot of guys. Maybe, (I'm) not there yet. But I think we all change and grow with different situations probably. As you get older, there are things that don't upset you or that you react to as quickly as maybe you did early in your career.”

A year away from the game when you're approaching 60 years old can make even a supremely confident offensive architect confront his coaching mortality. It's obvious Martz is thrilled to be back where he belongs, orchestrating an NFL offense. But he bristles at the idea that his current gig has given him a chance to “re-invent” himself.

“Not at all,” he said. “I just don't think like that. I was excited about coaching again. I thought that maybe I might be done. I was enjoying the TV thing a little bit. (But) this was a great opportunity to get back together with Lovie (Smith) and Rod (Marinelli), people that you care about and respect. To be part of the Bears' organization, all of those things were a factor.”

Martz and his steadily improving offense overcame a rocky start and, thanks in part to their contributions, the Bears are headed to the playoffs.

“This has been a lot of fun for me because we're winning,” he said, “but also more importantly because of the opportunity with these players. It's a special group. And the coaches, this is the best staff I've been on. I enjoy both areas and it's fun. As long as it's fun, you keep doing it.”

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