finding something to criticize

by jrm78 on Oct 31, 2006 9:17 AM CST

As much fun as the 41-10 ass-kicking of the Niners was, it wasn't exactly a perfect game by the Bears. So here's a few things I think we could improve.

Drives: The average scoring drive was 37 yards, with a long of 70 yards. In fact, only 2 drives were over 50 yards (3 if you consider the 88 yard failed drive). Most of these short drives were set up by turnovers or one sweet return by Hester, which I have no problems with. But as we saw in the AZ game, if the turnovers aren't there, the offense can struggle.

The second half: The team was probably on cruise control the second half, but two things happened in the third quarter that didn't look good. One was the failed 88-yard scoring drive, where the offense couldn't punch it in from the 2. The other occurred right after that. From their own 1-yd line, the Niners proceed to drive the ball 94 yards against our defense to end the shut-out bid with a field goal. In the process, the Niners made plays of 19 (Arnez Battle catch) and 53 yards (Frank Gore run). After that they added a 63 yard touchdown drive, but by then it really was garbage time.

The running back not named Thomas Jones who doesn't play on special teams: Benson rushed 8 times for 26 yards (3.25 avg), 1 TD, and a long of 11. Taking out his longest run of 11, he was 7 carries 15 yards for a Edgerrin James-esque 2.1 average. For someone who claimed that he'd be the starter by week 3, he really needs to step it up and soon. Or else he'll find himself behind Adrian Peterson, whose 1 carry went for 10 yards.

Otherwise, the team has been doing exactly what it needs to against weak opponents: destroy them. Though like eating cupcakes, it leaves you feeling empty. Next week we have another cupcake with aqua and orange sprinkles, and then finally we can find out where this team really stands against actual opponents in hostile environments.

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about benson

i'd say he had no chance on most of his carries. the niners were in the backfield on a lot of them. he basically had no room to run at all. quite honestly, unless we get him involved earlier in games, his stats are going to look pretty bad, because we're usually up big when he gets the bulk of the carries, which means the other team knows we're running the ball and will stack up to stop him. this has happened almost all year w/ ced. no running back is going to produce many yards if the defense is already in the backfield by the time they get a handoff.

by guy incognito on Oct 31, 2006 10:15 AM CST reply actions

I don't think the Drives one is valid

In the Arizona game it was Grossman having a bad game. The receivers were open all over the place, Rex just couldn't get him the ball. Secondly, short drives is how teams win. Not many teams can or will consistently score on 80 or 90 yard drives.

by Adam T on Oct 31, 2006 10:23 AM CST reply actions

longer drives

I guess the point I was going for was that the Bears should've finished off a scoring drive that went ~89 yards. I don't disagree with the Bears going for it on 4th and goal rather than settling for a FG. The most painful part though, was the 49ers coming right back and marching downfield to break the shut out after being pinned on their 1.

I went digging through stats and found that the Bears have only had two scoring drives of 80 or more yards (vs Det and Sea) with a long of 82 yds (Sea). Their average drive is 46.3 yds, and have had 39 scoring drives out of 86 posessions for a conversion % of .453. I don't know how any of these stack up against other teams since I had to crunch the numbers myself.

The fact the Bears don't have to make too many long drives is a testament to how good our defense and special teams are. I just worry about needing a long drive against a worthy opponent to win down 6 in the 4th. Hopefully that situation never arises.