Windy City Gridiron - NFL Week 1: Chicago Bears vs Cincinnati BengalsA Chicago Bears communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49985/windy-fav.png2013-09-12T10:00:14-05:00http://www.windycitygridiron.com/rss/stream/44708852013-09-12T10:00:14-05:002013-09-12T10:00:14-05:00Breaking down the tape: Sackwatch - Blitz pick up
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<img alt="The Chicago Bears Jermon Bushrod (74) pushes a blitzing James Harrison (92) of the Bengals past Jay Cutler on the game winning TD pass." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3De7CQ9ZBXA8vPudB0qC18ODZ4s=/0x224:3526x2575/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19345741/180070279.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The Chicago Bears Jermon Bushrod (74) pushes a blitzing James Harrison (92) of the Bengals past Jay Cutler on the game winning TD pass. | Jonathan Daniel</figcaption>
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<p>What am I supposed to do for my Sackwatch when the Chicago Bears didn't allow a sack? I'll take a look at the game winning touchdown pass from Cutler to Marshall, that was aided by a blitz pick up by the Bears offensive line.</p> <p>I could get used to this.</p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> didn't allow a single sack against the stellar defense of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> on Sunday. <span>If you are new to Windy City Gridiron this season, or are unaware of what the Sackwatch is all about, I started breaking down the sacks that the Bears allowed when the Chicago offense was run by Mike Martz. </span></p>
<p><span>You do remember the Martzfense don't you?</span></p>
<p>Seven step drops, leaving tight ends one-on-one with edge rushing quarterback hunters, and an absolute stubbornness to alter his Greatest Show On Turf offense to his personnel in Chicago. His teams have notoriously given up a bunch of sacks, and his time in Chicago was no different. In 2010 the Bears gave up 56 sacks, in 2011 it was down to 49, then in 2012 Mike Tice took over. He promised to get the ball out quicker, and to revamp the protection schemes, and the sack total only dropped to 45. <span>Jay Cutler</span> took a beating, week after week, after week, after week.</p>
<p>With head coach Marc Trestman and offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer implementing their West Coast Offense, we expect things to improve. So how does the Sackwatch look after week one?</p>
<p>Can I get a drum roll please...</p>
<p><b>Sackwatch After Week 1:<br>2010 Sacks - 4 (Martzfense)<br>2011 Sacks - 5 (Martzfense)<br>2012 Sacks - 2 (Mike Tice)<br>2013 Sacks - 0 (WCO)</b></p>
<p><i>If this keeps up, I may need to hit up David Taylor for a new logo...</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/730320/sackwatchcutler.jpg"><img width="251" height="200" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/730320/sackwatchcutler_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Sackwatchcutler_medium"></a> <br id="1378908855073"></p>
<p>With nary a sack to detail, I thought this would be a good time to point out a job well done by the offensive line, and what better play than the game winning touchdown pass from Jay Cutler to Brandon Marshall. The play featured a blitz pickup from new left tackle <span>Jermon Bushrod</span>, and a heads-up assignment switch from left guard <span>Matt Slauson</span>.</p>
<p>In this first picture you can see the Bears come out in an offset I, strong right formation, with twins (2WRs) to the left. Brandon Marshall is the slot receiver with <span>Alshon Jeffery</span> split wide. The Bengals remain in their base 4-3 defense, and they keep their right cornerback on the right side to cover Chicago tight end Martellus Bennett. Cincy keeps their left CB out on Jeffery and they walk up the safety to cover Marshall. <i>I really like the odds of Marshall being covered by a safety.</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3203757/TD1.JPG"><img width="700" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3203757/TD1_medium.JPG" class="photo" alt="Td1_medium"></a> <br id="1378908603618"></p>
<p>The red arrow above is showing that Cincinnati outside linebacker <span>James Harrison</span> (64 career sacks) began the play off the line, then showed blitz a split second before the ball is snapped, as seen in the picture below. With Harrison up on the line threatening to blitz, the Bears left side of the offensive line, Bushrod and Slauson, need to adjust protection.</p>
<p>Before Harrison walked up, Bushrod would have blocked the defensive end in front of him, and Slauson would have checked his inside first, then helped where needed. Either by doubling with center <span>Roberto Garza</span>, checking for a delay blitz, or thwarting an inside move by the DE being blocked by Bushrod.</p>
<p>If Harrison would have bluffed, then dropped back into a zone, Bushrod would have kicked back to cover the blitz, then readjusted his protection by squeezing to the guard, and looking to help out.</p>
<p>The play that was called was a playaction fake to Matt Forte. After the snap, Forte checks middle for a leaking defender, then releases through the line and to the left flat. He is one of Cutler's check downs if everyone is covered. The fullback, <span>Tony Fiammetta</span>, is chipping the DE that is rushing against rookie right tackle <span>Jordan Mills</span>, then releasing on a short curl route. He's another check down option for Cutler.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3203765/TD2.JPG"><img width="700" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3203765/TD2_medium.JPG" class="photo" alt="Td2_medium"></a> <br id="1378908655098"></p>
<p>But since Harrison does indeed come on the blitz -- as pictured below the Bengals are rushing five -- Bushrod has to fan out to account for the edge rushing Harrison. With him fanning out, LG Slauson has to account for the DE, and Garza understands that he has no help to his left. The pass rush ends up being five on five, and the two Chicago running backs release to their pass patterns.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3203773/TD3.JPG"><img width="700" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3203773/TD3_medium.JPG" class="photo" alt="Td3_medium"></a> <br id="1378908701865"></p>
<p>This exact same scenario played out on the 3rd play of the game, except over on the right side of the Bears line. Right guard <span>Kyle Long</span> <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago-bears/post/_/id/4685677/kyle-long-explains-missed-assignment?ex_cid=espnapi_public" target="_blank">missed a line call</a> and he allowed the DE a clear path to his quarterback. We've discussed that play ad nauseum over on my <a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/10/4711552/grading-chicago-bears-rookie-offensive-linemen-kyle-long-jordan-mills">grading the rookies</a> thread.</p>
<p>The GIF below is the play in its entire glory.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="700" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/3198939/jaylaser.gif"></p>
<p>I shouldn't be that surprised by the two veterans making the correct adjustment, but this offensive line does have four new faces on it. I don't expect every week to be smooth sailing, but for a one week performance, I thought the line looked in unison.</p>
<h4>More from Windy City Gridiron:</h4>
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<li><a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/11/4717866/chicago-bears-playbook-jay-cutler-touchdown-drive?utm_source=windycitygridiron&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Chicago Bears Playbook - Anatomy of a Touchdown Drive</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/12/4720858/chicago-bears-den-september-12-2013-week-2-news-minnesota-vikings?utm_source=windycitygridiron&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">The Bears Den: September 12, 2013 - Week 2 news and notes</a></li>
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<li><a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/10/4715408/nfl-power-rankings-chicago-bears-are-rising?utm_source=windycitygridiron&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">NFL Power Rankings: Chicago Bears are rising</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/10/4711552/grading-chicago-bears-rookie-offensive-linemen-kyle-long-jordan-mills?utm_source=windycitygridiron&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Grading the Chicago Bears rookie offensive linemen</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/9/4710714/ten-thoughts-on-the-nfl-chicago-bears-packers-lions?utm_source=windycitygridiron&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Ten Thoughts on the NFL: Chicago Bears and beyond</a></li>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/12/4718890/chicago-bears-sackwatch-2013-week-1-vs-cincinnati-bengals-blitzLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2013-09-11T20:34:51-05:002013-09-11T20:34:51-05:00Bears Playbook - Anatomy of a Drive
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EE1knCIRU38FAw1iBdLjrxkFq1o=/0x97:4000x2764/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19327199/20130908_lbm_aw6_191.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Spor</figcaption>
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<p>With the Bears giving up a touchdown to start the third quarter, the Bears offense needed a quick response to keep the game within reach. Here's how Jay Cutler and Marc Trestman drew it up and scored on the game's most critical drive.</p> <p>The first half of the game, and it seemed like it would be Martz and Tice all over again: <span>Jay Cutler</span> was wasting time outs, and despite having great field position, the O came away with only ten points. After half time, it looked like a whole different team coming out of the blocks. Cutler was making plays with his arm and his feet, spreading the ball, and scoring touchdowns.</p>
<p>Let's look at that first TD drive of the second half, which in my mind was the most critical drive of the game. With the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> down 21-10, Trestman knew the only way to beat the stingy <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> front seven was to keep them off balance. Run at them one play, then give them the same look and pass out of it. Stare down the receiver on one half, then turn and throw the other way.</p>
<p>The Bears didn't quite get off the bus running in the first half, but they looked prepared to do so with their first possesion of the second half. The run look, which featured both a run-fake behind Kyle Long and a fake end-around, got every single Bengal out of position and opened up the entire left third of the field for <span>Alshon Jeffery</span>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="80%" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3207809/NewDoubleFakeSmall.gif" class="photo" alt="Newdoublefakesmall_medium"></p>
<p>With the Bengals defense all flowing to the right at the snap, it was only natural that Cutler would end up throwing left. Brandon Marshall, as always, attracted a crowd of defensive backs on his go route down the right seam, but the key parts of this sales job were the run-fake executed by <span>Matt Forte</span> and FB <span>Tony Fiammetta</span>, and the end-around fake run by Jeffery. The run-fake keeps half of the linebackers home. The edge defenders to Cutler's left, seeing the end-around fake, correctly guess that Jeffery wasn't going to get handed the ball, but they didn't suspect he would then get the pass. They followed Cutler's eyes as he stared down Marshall, leaving Jeffery wide open:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img width="90%" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3207805/JefferyAtThrow.jpeg" class="photo" alt="Jefferyatthrow_medium"></p>
<p>Seeing Marshall in quadruple-coverage, Cutler quickly turned and threw to his safety valve. Jeffery sauntered up the sideline after making an easy catch, and he picked up a quick twelve yards to jump start the drive. Also, notice the textbook pocket around Jay Cutler. Great play call, and great execution.</p>
<p>After that nice completion for a first down, it was time to go with a real run. A simple enough inside zone run, but watch the solid effort of <span>Kyle Long</span> at right guard as compared to the less-than-stellar work by Tony Fiammetta.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3201263/MakeABlockFBFInal.gif" target="_blank"><img width="80%" alt="Makeablockfbfinal_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3201263/MakeABlockFBFInal.gif"></a></p>
<p>Long makes a solid block on <span>Geno Atkins</span>, pushing him away from the point of attack and out of the play. Fiammetta gets to the middle linebacker at just the right time to blow the middle of the defense wide open for Matt Forte, but needed to either push his man towards the left of the screen or straight down the field - bouncing off of him didn't do much at all. The Bengals linebacker is able to easily shed the block and get Forte in his grasp. Forte does take the a couple of Bengals for a ride down the field after that, but this could have easily been a bigger play if the new fullback secures his block.</p>
<p>Still, the very real threat of the run kept the Bengals defense more honest than it would have been. Even after Cutler made the big third-down conversion to Martellus Bennett against an all-out blitz, the Bengals were always careful to keep a linebacker on Forte. It was this worry - a worry magnified when Forte hit a six yard run on the first down after the big pass to his TE - that enabled this next play, a nice pass to <span>Earl Bennett</span>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3201479/Bennett1on1.gif" target="_blank"><img width="80%" alt="Bennett1on1_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3201479/Bennett1on1.gif"></a></p>
<p>With one linebacker manned up on Forte, only the Bengals linebacker pointed out in red was there to cover the short zone. Jay doesn't even have to bother to look off the rest of the Bengals coverage, since decoy Brandon Marshall drew enough attention to himself without Cutler having to add to Marshall's shine. Jay hit Bennett in stride, moving the sticks yet again.</p>
<p>One nifty curl pattern by Alshon Jeffery later - a perfectly drawn up Cover 2 beater caught in front of the safety - and the Bears had the ball on the five. From there, it was time to pound the ball into the end zone. After getting four of the five yards he needed on the first run, Forte was called on a second time to finish the job. Here, the blocking on both guards - both Kyle Long and free-agency aquisition <span>Matt Slauson</span> - came into focus.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3203193/ForteTD-800.gif"><img width="80%" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3203193/ForteTD-800.gif" class="photo" alt="Fortetd-800_medium"></a> <br id="1378942225753"></p>
<p>At the snap, Kyle Long quickly steps left to help <span>Roberto Garza</span> block the nose tackle. Atkins, who starts the play to Long's right, loses his balance trying to get a hold of the side-stepping Long. By the time Slauson arrives to seal the right edge of the run game, all he has to do is belly flop on top of the Pro Bowl DT to break Forte for the final yard.</p>
<p>The Bears were still behind, but they showed the type of second-half improvement so rarely seen under the Lovie Smith regime(s). With Lovie only having 16 wins after being down through one half, it was refreshing to have Trestman notch his first come-from-behind win in his first game. Let's hope we see more of this second-half offense in the first half against the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vikings</a>, and the Bears won't need to come from behind to take an early lead in the NFC North.</p>
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https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/11/4717866/chicago-bears-playbook-jay-cutler-touchdown-driveSteve Ronkowski2013-09-10T10:00:12-05:002013-09-10T10:00:12-05:00Grading the Chicago Bears rookie offensive linemen
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Y6EM65boAs7iPfrtppjLPCoYe5U=/0x147:2823x2029/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19238735/178350213.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel</figcaption>
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<p>The Chicago Bears did something that they haven't done in over 30 years, they started two rookies on the offensive line. Kyle Long and Jordan Mills received the opening day start on the right side of the o-line, and today I'll break down the film and grade their performance.</p> <p>In 1975, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/1975_roster.htm">had</a> three rookies start on the offensive line. That team went 4-10. The 2013 Chicago Bears are hoping to have better luck with their rookie o-line duo, and so far they are off to a better start. Both record wise, and in the box score. Right guard <span>Kyle Long</span> and right tackle <span>Jordan Mills</span> played like they belong in the NFL.</p>
<p>The Bears didn't put up eye popping numbers against the Cincinnati bengals, but there was a workman like approach to the game-plan from Chicago head coach Marc Trestman. Even when down 21-10 in the 3rd quarter, he kept plugging along with his offense. A big part of his offense was the trust he had in his offensive line.</p>
<p>I looked at the game in detail Sunday night, in particular I graded the performance of the two rookie offensive linemen. My grading system is a bit different than the grades from <a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1641949&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.profootballfocus.com&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.windycitygridiron.com%2F2013%2F9%2F10%2F4711552%2Fgrading-chicago-bears-rookie-offensive-linemen-kyle-long-jordan-mills" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Pro Football Focus</a> that we often refer to here on Windy City Gridiron. I grade the way I was taught by my youth coach, which is the same grading system used by my high school coach, and it's the same way my college coach had us grade. So it's the way I grade when I coached, and the way I grade here on WCG.</p>
<p>If you do your job, you get a plus, if not you get a minus. It's simple, but it's what I know.</p>
<p>Not every plus from me has to have a player driving his man 10 yards off the ball. If a player fires out, locks on his defender, and keeps him out of the play, he'll usually get a positive grade from me. If a player shows poor technique, is initially beaten, but recovers to block his man, that's a positive in my book too. Playing in the trenches is a fight, and usually a fight isn't pretty.</p>
<p>PFF grades each play from a -2.0, to a +2.0. They rarely give the two ends of their spectrum out on a play, and a 0 grade is considered average. It means the player simply did their job. Most plays receive the 0 from their graders.</p>
<p>I explain this, not to show that one system is better than the other, but just to make you aware that there are more than one way to do things. I give the plus/minus, PFF goes with a wider spectrum, and others go with the <a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/9/4709290/chicago-bears-cincinnati-bengals-report-card" target="_blank">letter grade</a>.</p>
<p>With that being said, both Long and Mills received the same grade from me. I graded them each on 61 total plays, and had them both at a +56. That goes along with a -5 for the mathematical deficient.</p>
<p>I expected to see some egregious mistakes from both rookies, but was surprised at how they both played. Some broad observations on the rookies before I get into some specific plays.</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Mills is more technically sound than Long. </span></li>
<li><span>Long's two biggest issues were playing too high, and too far over his feet.</span></li>
<li><span>Long is able to use his size and strength to cover up technique mistakes.</span></li>
<li><span>Both rookies use their hands really good. Once they lock on, they stay locked on. </span></li>
<li><span>Mills showed very nimble feet, and had good balance.</span></li>
<li><span>Long does play with an edge to his game.</span></li>
<li><span>Both had sustained effort the majority of the day.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><b>></b> On the third play of the game, the incomplete pass to <span>Alshon Jeffery</span> that nearly saw <span>Jay Cutler</span> get sacked by <span>Carlos Dunlap</span>, I gave Long a minus, and Mills a plus.</p>
<p>On the play, Cincinnati outside linebacker <span>James Harrison</span> was lined up outside of Bears right tackle Mills. Mills correctly ignored Dunlap who was over him, and kicked out to block the blitzing Harrison. With Mills blocking to his right, Long should have picked up the defensive end Dunlap. Instead Long looked to the <a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2009/8/6/974324/dont-sweat-the-technique" target="_blank">A gap</a> first, where center <span>Roberto Garza</span> was blocking the Bengal DT. Dunlap was unblocked, and he got a good shot on Jay Cutler as he hurriedly released the ball.</p>
<p>Long may have missed a call, or he may have forgot the call. Either way Dunlap was his responsibility.</p>
<p><b>></b> On the 1st play of the Bears second drive, Mills pulled down the line to his left and led <span>Matt Forte</span> for a nine yard gain. He showed good short burst quickness to get to the hole from his RT position.</p>
<p><b>></b> On the Martellus Bennett TD catch, Long was a little high out of his stance and was pushed backward, but he used his strength and good hand placement to ride the Cincy DT past the pocket.</p>
<p><b>> </b>On the fourth quarter 4th and inches play, Marc Trestman and offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer trusted the two rookies with the most crucial play of the game. Kyle Long pulled around the right side, and while he didn't deliver a knock out block, he did run interference for Forte to pick up the first down.</p>
<p>Mills blocked down to cover for the pulling Long, and he drove his man all the way to the pile and pancaked him over it.</p>
<p><b>></b> When the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> stopped the Bears on the 3rd and 6 with about a minute remaining, Cincinnati linebacker <span>Rey Maualuga</span> was flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for throwing Mills to the ground. First off, well done by the rookie in not retaliating, and second off it was Mills' tenacious blocking til the whistle that enraged Maualuga.</p>
<p>Some final observations from the game; Even though I gave both the same grade, Mills had a better game. He was more technically sound, and he played with more confidence and decisiveness. Long covered some of his errors with his athleticism and strength. Which is a good thing. He'll get better through experience.</p>
<p>There were a few plays from each that I could have gone the negative route with. On some occasions when they went to the second level to block, they didn't always lock onto a man. But they were on their blocking track, and the defender wasn't able to get in on the play. Often times when blocking on the backside of a play, the linebacker flow is moving too fast for an offensive lineman to get a solid hit on.</p>
<p>There were also a handful of times when they locked onto a defensive lineman, using good technique, but just didn't drive them very far off the ball. Their guy didn't make the tackle, and it was more of a stalemate on the line of scrimmage. On some of those instances the running back could have either bounced or bent the play back to avoid the congestion.</p>
<p><span>Overall it was a heck of a start for these two, and the bottom line is,</span><span> I'm very excited to see this duo grow together.</span></p>
<p> </p>
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<li><a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/9/4710714/ten-thoughts-on-the-nfl-chicago-bears-packers-lions?utm_source=windycitygridiron&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Ten Thoughts on the NFL: Chicago Bears and beyond</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/9/4712176/chicago-bears-re-sign-jonathan-scott-waive-kyle-adams?utm_source=windycitygridiron&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Chicago Bears re-sign Jonathan Scott, waive Kyle Adams</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/9/4709290/chicago-bears-cincinnati-bengals-report-card?utm_source=windycitygridiron&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Bears vs. Bengals report card</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/9/4708676/bears-vs-bengals-notes-scribbles-and-things-jotted-down?utm_source=windycitygridiron&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Bears Vs. Bengals: Notes, Scribbles, and Things Jotted Down</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/10/4711552/grading-chicago-bears-rookie-offensive-linemen-kyle-long-jordan-millsLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2013-09-09T12:00:13-05:002013-09-09T12:00:13-05:00Positional grade for Bears vs. Bengals
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<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel</figcaption>
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<p>The Bears won their first game of the season yesterday by defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 24-21. The Bears may have started a little slow but fought back from an 11-point deficit at one point to win. So how did each position group and coaching staff grade out?</p> <p>We will be breaking down <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bears</a> games every week with a grade for each position group based on observations made during the game.</p>
<p>Yesterday's game was a tale of two halves. In the first half, Bears fans were frustrated after watching the Bears score off a turnover in the first quarter, the team didn't really do much as the defense allowed the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a> to rack up 240 yards of first-half yardage.</p>
<p>However, the Bears were able to come out in the second half and hold the Bengals to just 110 yards, only 30 of which came after their 80 yard TD march to open the third period.</p>
<p>The Bears overcame that 21-10 deficit to win 24-21, the difference being a Bears-record 58 yard field goal in the second quarter by <span>Robbie Gould</span>. The game was a thriller and featured some great coaching by Marc Trestman (more on him in a minute). So how did the Bears do exactly?</p>
<p><b>Quarterback: A-</b></p>
<p>If it weren't for that just horrible interception I could give <span>Jay Cutler</span> a solid A or A+. The interception was really the only blemish though, as there weren't too many other cringe-worthy passes yesterday by Cutler. Even the balls that were thrown into tight coverage were placed where more or less only his receiver could get them. He also scrambled around when he had to to make plays and scrambled for a long gain on second and 24 in the fourth quarter on what proved to be the game-winning drive. On the day, Cutler completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 242 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception for a QB rating of 93.2 and a "Total QBR" of 85.7. He was able to get five different targets involved and completed at least three passes to each <span>Matt Forte</span>, <span>Alshon Jeffery</span>, Brandon Marshall and <span>Martellus Bennett</span>.</p>
<p><b>Running backs: C</b></p>
<p>Overall, a very average day for the running backs, yes the offensive line wasn't always opening the biggest running lanes but Matt Forte got plenty of chances (19 carries) and got so little (50 yards, 2.6 YPC and a long of 9). Cutler had the team's longest run of the day (18 yards) but <span>Michael Bush</span> did come in late in the game and grind out 15 yards on six carries (2.5 YPC). Forte did get in the endzone and caught four of his six targets but dropped an easy screen pass in the first half.</p>
<p><b>Receivers: A</b></p>
<p>A good game for the group that saw almost everyone involved. Each of the top three caught one pass; Marshall (8 receptions), Jeffery (5), Bennett (1). Marshall came up big on the game-winning driving by catching the winning TD. Marshall had 10 targets, Jeffery 8 and Bennett 1, so they were able to catch most all of what came at them. Solid start to the season for a position of strength for this team.</p>
<p><b>Tight ends: B</b></p>
<p>I wish I could be kinder to the Black Unicorn, but despite his absolutely impressive finger-tip touchdown catch, Bennett only caught three of his six targets. I knock his grade down for the two holding penalties when he was blocking but he has to be able to catch the balls when Cutler looks his way. His performance certainly made Bears fans forget about <span>Kellen Davis</span> which is more than enough.</p>
<p><b>Offensive line: A-</b></p>
<p>Yes, they did not allow a sack against a very, very talented front four of the Bengals and that is the biggest positive the group did. <span>Kyle Long</span> looked a first-round pick by opening lanes and all around beasting on whomever he was assigned to. However, their run blocking left a lot to be desired, as evidenced by the 81 rushing yards and paltry 2.9 YPC average. They did open up Cutler's 242 passing yards though and set up a consistently good pocket. This line will get better the more they play together and fans are already giddy about what this group could be by the year's end.</p>
<p><b>Offensive unit grade: A-</b></p>
<p>They did enough to win and were able to pick it up in the second half and put together long scoring drives of 80 and 81 yards before salting the game away with a 41 yard drive.</p>
<p><b>Defensive line:</b> <b>D+</b></p>
<p>This was an incredibly disappointing effort from a line expected to be perhaps the strongest position group on the defense. They came up in the clutch with their only sack of <span>Andy Dalton</span> in the fourth quarter but they were unable to disrupt Dalton, being credited with only <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=330908003" target="_blank">one QB hit by ESPN</a> and the DL had only one tackle for loss and no pass deflections. However, they were relatively stout in the run game, allowing a long of 14 yards, 63 total and just 3.0 YPC. But Julius Peppers was a non-factor against a second-string left tackle and franchise-tagged <span>Henry Melton</span> was also a non-factor. <span>Shea McClellin</span> had the best stat line, recording both the lone sack and lone TFL by the DL.</p>
<p><b>Linebackers: B</b></p>
<p>While there was a lot of criticism for middle linebacker D.J. Williams, the unit as a whole performed admirably. Williams was the black sheep of the group, recording one solo tackle (three total), but <span>Lance Briggs</span> recorded 7 tackles, 4 solo, had a TFL and a pass deflection while <span>James Anderson</span> defended two passes and added three solo tackles (5 total). Briggs was his usual self and Anderson appears to be an upgrade in coverage over Nick Roach. Perhaps Williams needs a game or two to get into shape after missing all of the preseason but if he doesn't improve, fans will continue to clamor for <span>Jon Bostic</span>.</p>
<p><b>Cornerbacks: C-</b></p>
<p>Thank goodness for <span>Charles Tillman</span> and the second half or this would be an F no doubt. After allowing <span>A.J. Green</span> to catch 5 passes for 129 yards and 2 TDs in the first half they held him to just 4 receptions and 33 yards in the second half. It has to be noted that Tillman and <span>Tim Jennings</span> were responsible for all three Bears turnovers with Tillman picking off Dalton twice and Jennings popping the ball out of Muhammad Sanu's hands. Jennings also used a "Peanut Punch" of his own to get the ball out of Green's hands but he couldn't locate it before accidentally kicking it out of bounds. Combined with the lack of pass rush, Dalton completed all but seven of his passes (78.8 percent). That's not great.</p>
<p><b>Safeties: B-</b></p>
<p>The safeties didn't really show up in the stat box which could be good or bad depending on how you view it. <span>Major Wright</span> recorded three tackles (seven total) and <span>Chris Conte</span> added only one tackle, a solo. Chris Conte was noticeably absent on Green's 42-yard catch but after <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap2000000239952/Dalton-goes-deep-to-Green-for-42-yards" target="_blank">viewing the highlight,</a> it appears the Bears were in a Cover-1 type, with only Conte deep, while he could have cheated to Tillman's side, the Bears were playing the run and Conte was never in a position to help Tillman. On <a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-game-highlights/0ap2000000240051/Green-grabs-second-TD-from-Dalton" target="_blank">Green's 45-yard TD</a>, Dalton pump-faked to get Major Wright to bite just enough for Green to get past Jennings for the TD.</p>
<p><b>Defensive unit grade: C</b></p>
<p>The group gave up gobs of yards in the first half but did force three turnovers and tightened up in the second half to help win. It's concerning that the CBs got burned for 162 yards by Green and allowed Dalton to complete 78 percent of his passes. The trend of the Bears struggling against tight ends continued as well as the D allowed 10 receptions and 82 yards to <span>Jermaine Gresham</span> and <span>Tyler Eifert</span>.</p>
<p><b>Special teams: A</b></p>
<p>The unit really didn't miss a beat with Dave Toub gone and Joe DeCamillis in. Robbie Gould nailed a 58-yarder, a career long, franchise and stadium record for him. <span>Adam Podlesh</span> put three of his five punts inside the 20 and had only one touchback and allowed one return for 13 yards, averaging 39.8 yards per punt. The Bengals had no kickoff returns. <span>Devin Hester</span> had one kickoff return for 31 yards and only two punt returns for a grand total of 1 yard.</p>
<p><b>Coaching: A</b></p>
<p>In a win how could it be anything else? This grade is all about the adjustments though. Michael C. Wright <a href="https://twitter.com/mikecwright/status/376777853569748992" target="_blank">tweeted</a> that the Bears were just 1-11 when trailing at halftime the last two seasons but clearly Trestman could change that fate. The team turned around a 240-92 offensive yard advantage for Cincinnati in the first half to a 221-110 Chicago advantage in the second half. The defense buckled down, the offense came to life and the team won. His time management was well above Marvin Lewis', especially late in the game. Bears fans have to feel good about the Trestman era going forward.</p>
<p><b>Overall grade: B+</b></p>
<p>Definitely room for improvement on both sides of the ball but we knew this wouldn't be an overnight success. There are definitely a lot of positives to take away as this team grows and learns under Trestman. If the team can play a whole game like the second half of today, 2013 will be plenty of fun for fans.</p>
<p><i>How do you grade the Bears win yesterday?</i></p>
<h4>More from Windy City Gridiron:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/8/4708100/chicago-bears-vs-cincinnati-bengals-bears-win-24-21?utm_source=windycitygridiron&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Chicago Bears vs Cincinnati Bengals: Bears win 24-21</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/7/4700058/2013-stats-over-under-chicago-bears-offense?utm_source=windycitygridiron&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">2013 Stats over/under: The offense</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/7/4705986/wcg-predicts-the-2013-nfl-season?utm_source=windycitygridiron&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">WCG Predicts the 2013 NFL Season</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/7/4701200/chicago-bears-make-correct-call-starting-d-j-williams-jon-bostic?utm_source=windycitygridiron&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">The Chicago Bears should start D.J. Williams at middle linebacker</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/6/4702320/chicago-bears-vs-cincinnati-bengals-five-questions-with-cincy-jungle?utm_source=windycitygridiron&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Chicago Bears vs Cincinnati Bengals: Five Questions with Cincy Jungle</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/9/4709290/chicago-bears-cincinnati-bengals-report-cardSam Householder2013-09-08T15:09:35-05:002013-09-08T15:09:35-05:00Quick recap: Bears beat Bengals 24-21
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<figcaption>David Banks</figcaption>
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<p>Game one is in the books, and the Chicago Bears start the season at 1-0.</p> <p>There are a lot of new things related to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>... Head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, offensive line, linebackers. Even the general manager is only in his second season.</p>
<p>Bumps and hiccups could be expected, but for the most part, the team looked pretty fluid. Marc Trestman got plays called into <span>Jay Cutler</span> pretty quickly, and the offense seemed to be working at a faster pace, and with more crispness, than Bears fans are used to seeing.</p>
<p>Pass rush was lacking on defense, but much of that could be attributed to the quick release of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Bengals</a> QB <span>Andy Dalton</span>. His chemistry with WR <span>A.J. Green</span> is not something the Bears are likely to see more than a handful of times this season, but definitely something worth keeping an eye on moving forward.</p>
<p>Overall, the team looked good against a solid Bengals squad, and Bears fans have plenty to look forward to in coming weeks.</p>
<p><b>QUICK STATS</b></p>
<p>Jay Cutler: 21/33, 242 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT</p>
<p><span>Matt Forte</span>: 19 rushes, 50 yds, 1 TD</p>
<p>Brandon Marshall: 8 rec, 104 yds, 1 TD</p>
<p><span>Alshon Jeffery</span>: 5 rec, 42 yds</p>
<p><span>Martellus Bennett</span>: 3 rec, 49 yds, 1 TD</p>
<p><span>Earl Bennett</span>: 1 rec, 6 yds</p>
<p>Andy Dalton: 26/33 yds, 282 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT</p>
<p><span>BenJarvus Green-Ellis</span>: 14 rushes, 25 yds, 1 TD</p>
<p>A.J. Green: 9 rec, 162 yds, 2 TD</p>
<p>-------------------</p>
<p>That's it for our quick recap, and we will have more in-depth analysis tomorrow. For now, what were you pleased with, and what do you hope to see improve?</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/8/4708100/chicago-bears-vs-cincinnati-bengals-bears-win-24-21Dane Noble2013-09-08T14:15:50-05:002013-09-08T14:15:50-05:00Bears vs Bengals 4th Quarter Open Thread
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<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel</figcaption>
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<p>Our coverage continues as the Chicago Bears battle the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> continue to battle the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> at Soldier Field, and we're one quarter away from finding out who starts the regular season off with a win.</p>
<p>The Bengals offense looks good, and the Bears are improving with each offensive snap of the football.</p>
<p>Score after three quarters: Bears 17- Bengals 21</p>
<p>This is our final Open Thread of the day... Have fun!</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/8/4707994/chicago-bears-vs-cincinnati-bengals-4th-quarter-open-threadDane Noble2013-09-08T13:39:03-05:002013-09-08T13:39:03-05:00Bears vs Bengals 3rd Quarter Open Thread
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<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We are continuing on with our live coverage and commentary of the first football game of the season... Come join us!</p> <p>We are halfway through the first <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> game of the season, and there is already plenty to talk about.</p>
<p>The visiting Cincinnati Bengals are leading Chicago 14-10, but both teams are playing tough on both sides of the football. The Bears defense need to get a pass rush going again Bengals QB <span>Andy Dalton</span>, and the offense just needs to continue getting reps in their new system.</p>
<p><span>Charles Tillman</span> registered two interceptions, but left the game with two minutes remaining in the half to get an IV for dehydration.</p>
<p>For an offense that has a new offensive line, a new offensive coordinator, and an entire new look, the Bears are clicking on that side of the ball pretty well. All we need is more reps.</p>
<p>And props to <span>Robbie Gould</span> for getting stronger and stronger. There was a time when kicking 50+ yard field goals was not exactly in his repertoire, but he ended the 2nd quarter with a Bears record 58 yard FG.</p>
<p><b>QUICK STATS</b></p>
<p><span>Jay Cutler</span>: 10/19, 70 yds, 1 TD</p>
<p><span>Matt Forte</span>: 11 rushes, 27 yds</p>
<p>Brandon Marshall: 5 rec, 41 yds</p>
<p>Andy Dalton: 13/18, 192 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT</p>
<p><span>A.J. Green</span>: 5 rec, 129 yds, 2 TD</p>
<p>We've got 30 minutes of football remaining... Stay with us all day for comprehensive coverage of the Chicago Bears contest versus the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cincinnati Bengals</a> at Soldier Field.</p>
<p>This is your 3rd Quarter Open Thread... Have fun!</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/8/4707304/chicago-bears-vs-cincinnati-bengals-3rd-quarter-stats-charles-tillmanDane Noble2013-09-08T12:46:53-05:002013-09-08T12:46:53-05:00Bears vs Bengals 2nd Quarter Open Thread
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<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel</figcaption>
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<p>Live coverage and instant updates from today's contest at Soldier Field.</p> <p>One period in the books, and three to go. Soldier Field is rocking, the weather is perfect, and it's still anyone's game.</p>
<p>Chicago Bears 7, Cincinnati Bengals 7.</p>
<p>This is your 2nd Quarter Open Thread... Have fun!</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/9/8/4707148/chicago-bears-vs-cincinnati-bengals-2nd-quarter-open-threadDane Noble