Football Outsiders: Detailed breakdown of several Chicago plays

by TCBullfrog on Sep 3, 2009 10:50 PM CDT Comment 14 comments

I don't know how many people here read or like Football Outsiders, but they put up a good article yesterday breaking down several pass plays from the Broncos and Giants games.

Basically, they're very bullish on the new offense and the opportunities that Jay Cutler will bring specifically. And, along with something I've been saying, they don't seem too worried about the inexerience/lack of talent at WR, because of Olsen, Clark, and Forte.

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Nice find.

by Loathie Smith on Sep 4, 2009 8:12 AM CDT reply actions

a good article

solid…

by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Sep 4, 2009 8:38 AM CDT reply actions

Rec for sure

by Mike Mueller on Sep 4, 2009 8:55 AM CDT reply actions

Excellent article, thanks for posting

"The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt." - Bertrand Russell
"F*** everybody outside of Halas Hall. BEARDOWN" - WavyGravy

by Spongie on Sep 4, 2009 9:16 AM CDT reply actions

Best part

Turner can switch from power formations to a spread attack without changing personnel, and defenses get in trouble when trying to fight the Bears base package with a standard 4-3 defense.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Sep 4, 2009 9:43 AM CDT reply actions

More goodies

Both Olsen and Forte, however, are fast enough to beat all but the best linebackers, and Hester’s presence requires defenses to keep safeties deep. Defenses may go nickel when the Bears deploy two tight ends. When that happens, it will open up opportunities for the running game, and it still may not be enough to stop the Bears’

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Sep 4, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions

Nice find

Thanks for posting :)

by Mathias-K on Sep 4, 2009 3:40 PM CDT reply actions

the versatlity of the personnel

makes so many things possible for a change, of course having a QB like Cutler is the key to it all. I especially like the observation about how the base look (two WRs, two TEs and Forte) allows Turner to use such a wide variety of formations without subbing guys in making the no-huddle a viable option for stretches at a time.

I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren

by lookingdeadred on Sep 5, 2009 11:37 AM CDT reply actions

nice read

thanks.

by eternale1 on Sep 6, 2009 12:54 PM CDT reply actions

Is Olsen's versatility discussed in this article over-stated?

As much as I love Olsen, he really isn’t much of a blocker. If he’s in at tight end, then it’s a passing formation, and not a running formation.

by SenatorSteve on Sep 7, 2009 1:51 AM CDT reply actions

This misses two important points.

1. With Olsen in there the defense has to think pass first and that means more openings for Forte to run through. By going in motion or setting up outside, Olsen takes a defender out of the play, just like he blocked him.

2. The base offensive set has a blocking TE, Clark.

I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren

by lookingdeadred on Sep 7, 2009 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions

They'll be using 2 TEs so often...

That it will render your concern moot. Olsen gets split out wide just as often as he lines up at end. So, he’s really like a receiver in your formation.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Sep 7, 2009 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Think of it this way...

Olsen is a WR that is incredibly good at blocking. In this offense, that’s basically his role.

by shawndgoldman on Sep 8, 2009 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Great read

The Bears base package has a ton of versatility when Cutler is at the line. If the defense brings in the nickel, then he can call a run to combat their alignment without giving their real intentions away.

"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -Sir Winston Churchill

by propheteer on Sep 8, 2009 1:37 PM CDT reply actions