Hey guys I'm new here, I just wanted to discuss our offensive approach for Thursday. First of all its common knowledge that when encountering a Bear it's best to play dead. So far we have done a great job. Hopefully they'll underestimate what we still have. But on to my actual question: How do you guys think should we approach this game offensively? I think we should see a heavy dose of Ronnie and Ricky. Now before anyone objects I understand that the Bears are a top five team defensively, especially against the run allowing just 82 rushing yds/gm. However with Thigpen likely starting, I would like to see a time consuming offensive presence led by R&R. I also see Fasano having another big week; Thigpen seems to like targeting him. IMO, hopefully we see some 2008 style dolphin’s offense. What are your thoughts?
First of all, welcome to the site. I agree we have got to try to run the ball. If Thigpen starts it will be more important so we don't put it all on his shoulders. I would also like to see some more Wildcat to further take the pressure off of TT.
They play a lot of zone in their coverages so you have to sit in the holes and be patient with what they give you. Accuracy is key and we can not have drops. As always in this offense you have to try to commit to the run. And please Mr. Henning I beg you to keep working the middle of the field.
Yeah I really hope Ronnie gets more than 6 carries. What do you know about Thigpen's arm strength? I've seen him last year vs the Steelers, and in pre-season, but would you say he has the ability to fire the ball in there? Maybe someone watched him play in KC and can enlighten me.
One thing I can say is he moves real well. He had 386 yards rushing as a starter in KC. As for arm strength he showed he can fire it into tight spaces. Look no further back than the TD to Fasano yesterday.
I think the perception is he doesn't have a strong arm..I would disagree, I think he has good velocity and can make all the throw's..Alot of folks talk about his running, but he really does throw the ball nicely, with good zip...He also has underrted speed for a white boy at his position.lol There were a few of us who wanted to see him start some games this year based on flashes of ability and his instinct's, most said be careful what you wish for, I say, so be it..I think the dude has real talent..
Very true, but just from what I saw in the Steelers game last season he seemed a little careless with the ball. Maybe I'm jumping to conclusions, it was just one game. If so I really hope working with Pennington in the off-season taught him how to be more conservative (not too conservative tho). We definatly cannot afford any turnovers.
Welcome aboard. Nice to see a thread that's not bashing our QB . The good news is, the Bears will have trouble game planning for Thig since he hasn't played much. I'm in favor playing to Thig's strengths, shotgun, spread looks, roll outs, screens, zone reads, etc. I'm not expecting us to all of a sudden be able to run the ball, and if we sit Thigpen in the pocket on 5-7 step drops he'll be debacled, especially if Long is out/limited. Overall, I think the defense will have to bail us out again, forcing turnovers to give us a short field. The Bears have little chance of running on us, so forcing Cutler into mistakes will be possible, and necessary. I had us the lock of the Week before the Titans game. But without our top 2 QB's, top pass protector and top pass rusher, who knows.
Oh he's not careless, he's fearless . I expect 2 TDs and 2 Ints a game for as long as he's the starter...
Well Hopefully the D get after Cutler and forces some turnovers of our own. You know Nolan and Wake's mouths are watering with how vulnerable Cutler is.
poor dude is gonna have 3 appearance for us, all 3 times he was not given normal reps to prepare himself... We just have to figure out ways to win this stinking game..defense, special teams, the wildcat, ronnie or ricky pulling a game out of their ***, and taking over...Gotta give this kid some decent time to prepare for an opponent.
"We just have to figure out ways to win this stinking game..defense, special teams, the wildcat, ronnie or ricky pulling a game out of their ***, and taking over...Gotta give this kid some decent time to prepare for an opponent.[/QUOTE]" This team can be scrappy, especially the D, so hopefully we snag a W and enjoy the 10 day break.
Pistol, spread, rollout in the red zone, repeat. If Long plays, Thigpen should be able to air out some yardage. We'll see if it produces a win, but 3 WR is a necessity the whole game. In fact the Cobbs package with Fasano as the motion guy at the last second would be exceptional in this game. Remember when the Dolphins played the Pats in 2008, Cassell under center with 3 WRs, usually a RB like Faulk or even a 4th WR (I prefer a RB like Cobbs), and Watson on the field? It was a nightmare, an absolute nightmare for the Dolphin defense because they took many of the best players the team has out of the equation, not to mention the threat of the run. Thigpen establishes that he can run, Urlacher will have to sit and spy. That's five defenders against our six in the backfield including Thigpen. That should open things up significantly in the passing game especially for some very big plays, if Thigpen can keep the play alive in the backfield. If that's successful I'd put Ronnie in the backfield and have him replace Cobbs in this formation doing much of the same. The difference with Ronnie is that if you motion him back to the HB position, he has a nice situation where the defense has to play undersized against a still formidable group including Fasano and perhaps Marshall in the slot. I can see some serious yardage out of that kind of formation, especially since Chicago will likely go undersized on the line to counter the Dolphins' personnel and get after Thigpen.
Using Cory Procter on the left side at the GL was nice We loaded up the left side of the line and Ronnie pretty much walked in
Well first of all, we CANT kick to Hester...he'll kill us. Also, i think running the ball and creating a turnover for points would go a long way for us this week.
The Bears rely a lot on good-great special teams play. Big advantage for the Bears. I think we can get to Cutler if Wake is playing and force some potential INTs. Hopefully Thiggy won't turn it over. Scrapping out a win and plenty of time to rest would make for a very good scenario. The Raider game won't be near as easy (not that many are) as I thought when the year started.
