Chicago Bears Sackwatch 2014: Week 4 vs. Green Bay Packers

Last season the Chicago Bears allowed one sack in each game against the Green Bay Packers. This year it was only one as well. It seems their protection schemes are much improved under head coach Marc Trestman and offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer; then again, having better talent on the offensive line helps too.

After a rough week last week, the Bears are getting closer to last year's pace.

Sackwatch after 4 games
2010 - 18 (Martzfense)
2011 - 15 (Martzfense)
2012 - 13 (Mike Tice O)
2013 - 6 (TCO)
2014 - 8 (TCO)

Sack 8 - Fourth quarter 11:32 Datone Jones
The Green Bay Packers list Datone Jones as a defensive end, but they'll line him up anywhere along the line in their versatile scheme. Here they have him sitting in the Bears' right side A Gap. On the snap, either by design or through the flow of his pass rush, he crossed the face of Bears center Brian de la Puente to the left side A Gap.

Since the immediate threat was to de la Puente's right, he was correct in cutting off that A Gap. His problem was over-committing to the gap. Watch his head and shoulders. He lunges at Jones which causes de la Puente to get off balance and he's unable to stay with his man as he swims back across to the left side. Once you're off balance as an offensive lineman, you have no leverage to deliver the hand punch to slow down a defender. Lunging also takes away the ability to quickly change direction to mirror the defender.

For what it's worth, last season I had starting center Roberto Garza responsible for just a quarter of a sack (yeah I know, it was a strange play), and this is Brian de la Puente's 2nd sack allowed in as many weeks. Both were allowed because of poor technique.

Here's where I lay the blame for each sack through 4 games.

Jordan Mills - 2.5
Brian de la Puente - 2
Dante Rosario - 1
Michael Ola - 1
Sacks Happen - 1
Jermon Bushrod - .5