Bears Offensive Line Needs To Gel

Am I a fan of the Chicago Bears? -No, not really.
Am I a fan of Jay Cutler? -Not at all, but I can spot fantasy football potential when I see it.

Love’em or hate’em Jay Cutler has the talent that could lead your fantasy team into the championship round of your fantasy league. He has proven,in brief glimpses here and there, that we should rank him among the best, yet something always forces us to categorize Jay Cutler as a “Bum”. I’m not going to dig up old bones for all those Bears fans last season, but this year may be different.

The main key I’ve noticed in stats when doing my fantasy homework, is the lack of time and broken plays the bears offensive line has given up. By no means am I going to put the entire blame on the O-Line, as Cutler does tend to stare down-field too often and rarely sees the benefit of picking up 5-6 yards underneath with checking down passes. Still, Cutler likes to hold the ball, he is not afraid of taking a hit and is willing to wait for a play to develop. Glass half full, this is a attribute that many fans must not take for granted. There are a lot quarterbacks that fear the sack and will toss up anything to get rid of the ball creating interceptions, which is another Cutler problem I will get too.

The Chicago Bears offensive line allowed Jay Cutler to be sacked 52 times in 2010 over 15 games. Having the worst sacked QB in football can create two different trains of thought: Cutler “you suck” get rid of the ball or “my god give him some time” in the pocket. Both will get the blame equally, but not to favor the quarterback, here is an interesting stat.

Jay Cutler ranked 7th in 1st down completion percentage, only slightly behind Peyton Manning. Yet, despite being ranked somewhat high in this category, Cutlers attempts per game were down from previous years. Leading me to believe that the play calling lacked diversity and created must throw situations for Cutler. Being a QB that likes to hold the ball, having a offensive line that has holes, and being in a division with some excellent pass rushers, creates a nut shell summary to the 2010 season.

Matt Forte was gem of the 2010 Bears offense, he lead the charge and was clearly worth more on fantasy boards than many realized. The problem was his inconsistency. Starting the 2010 season with 4 games in a row with less than 3 yards a carry, many never knew when to start or sit the Chicago RB. As a whole Forte had a good season, picking things up late in the year, but again there were clear signs that holes were not being created effectively by the offensive line.

I believe all problems can be repaired with a gelled offensive line. But wait, the Bears just blew up the 2010 unit that looked to have potential from a season ago. Chicago was unable to re-sign six-time Pro Bowler center Olin Kreutz. Instead Roberto Garza an 11-year veteran that has 116 career starts under his belt will take over. Garza has played almost exclusively at guard since he entered the NFL and will have huge shoes to fill. The center position has to be the most underrated player on the offensive side of the ball, and if things don’t go well, the Bears season will suffer significantly.

Fans are not pleased, by resigning Kreutz to play center and ­having Roberto Garza at right guard, the Bears would have had two guys with a combined 18 years at their positions next to rookie right tackle Gabe Carimi.

Mike Tice does not seemed concerned: “Let’s get something straight, I have five starting linemen right now, Unless the five starting linemen falter, there are no changes. There is not a competition, so don’t write that. Don’t write that, because whoever is writing that is wrong. We have five guys in there and they are the starters. If they falter in games, then we’ll have to create some type of competition and movement. Roberto Garza is one of our top five linemen, he’s going to be on the field at the end of the day. We’ve identified that. But there is no competition, so I don’t know if I’d write that.”

I will be watching for the offensive line this pre-season before I give the green light to any Fantasy Bears players this year. Those who are never going to be convinced of Jay Cutler should be reminded that in 2010, Cutler regardless of his playoff meltdown had 5 games in which he threw for at least 3 touchdowns and 6 games with a QB rating over 100. He had no number one wide receiver (he does now) and was still fairly new to the offense. You can point the finger all you want, but you can’t throw the ball without time in the pocket and you can’t run the ball without holes for the RB to run through.

The Recipe For Success: Bears Offensive Line Needs To Gel

Recipe For Success: Bears Offensive Line Needs To Gel Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

Bears 2010 Offense

Bears 2010 Defense

The High’s and Low’s

The Chicago Bears were streaky in 2010. After a controversial call in the end zone on Calvin Johnson in the season opener, a roller coaster of bad breaks plagued the team right up until their much needed bye week. After some reflection, the Bears lead an impressive 5 game winning streak and closed out their season losing only two games after week 8. The Bears offensive output seemed better than the numbers reflected, yet the playoffs surely proved that this team wasn’t ready to compete. The Bears biggest wins this season came at home, an early indication they might have been dealt an easy schedule. The Eagles fell short in week 12 and the New York Jets found themselves in a shoot out losing to one of Cutlers better games of the year 38-34.

In the playoffs, the Bears were handed a gift match-up against the Seattle Seahawks who aligned the stars to make a post season run. The game looked over early on, yet the final score was closer than anyone would have liked it to be. The Packers meltdown was a game that will fuel a fire for years to come. Nothing went according to plan and yet the game was still winnable. If there was ever a motivational tool for the upcoming season, the NFC championship game would be it.

Fantasy Recap

• Jay Cutler learned how to lower the stats in the interception category from 26 INT’s in 2009 to 16 in 2010. Although, every other category saw drops except for his QB ratting. Until the team acquires some receiver talent that fits the Mike Martz installed offensive system, this team will remain a defensive led unit and fantasy flavorless.
• Matt Forte had a good season improving his numbers slightly in rushing yards and rushing scores. The addition of a vertical threat may annoy owners of this underrated RB, but with an improved passing game the defensive focus would allow Forte more breathing room.

Team Needs:

• Cutler needs not only a trusted go-to target, but a core of wide receivers that understand the offensive system. A receiver that had both size and speed would be perfect, but considering the depth on the Bears roster, one of each will do.
• The Bears secondary was good in 2010, but they can still improve. With the 20th ranked passing defense a rookie or free agent would allow the Bears coordinator and coaches toys to to play with in key passing downs.
• The interior running game could improve, which starts with the big uglies. The short yardage game is vital in the redzone and being in such a tough division known for defensive lines, drafting some size wouldn’t be a bad idea.
• Olin Kreutz will be 34 in June, time to start thinking about his future replacement.

Draft Prediction:

It’s a little early to evaluate which wide receiver would best fit into the Martz system in late February. Yet from what I’ve seen, a guy like Randall Cobb from Kentucky might do the job. He is not a first round pick, yet his route running skills will catch the attention of the pro level scouts. Randall would fit well as a slot receiver at the next level. He does a great job of working underneath in tight spaces while showing decisive, tough, and strong run-after-catch ability to break tackles for hard yards between the hashes. The Mike Martz system revolves around timing, he has the smarts and agility to make such a suitable weapon.

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I am not a contrarian. I don’t simply say things because I think it will spark outrage; I try to look at things from a realistic and logical point of view and then present my views. I have to say, however, that some people will clearly be outraged by the teams that I will suggest and will even try to state facts and figures that speak to the contrary of my views.

That being said, I am not trying to stir the pot of fandom. I believe that (for the most part) franchises are where they are for a reason. Some teams handle player personnel and free agency correctly, they know how to work the phones and get value in the draft, and bring in the right guys whether players, coaches, or the front office. For other teams, it’s a race to see who is gone first: the new coach or the franchise quarterback he just drafted. For that reason, I cannot include (nor would there be any point in doing so) a team like the Arizona Cardinals, Cincinnati Bengals, or Dallas Cowboys, because even though they have all come off of very disappointing seasons, they all have been contenders over the last few years and also should be on the upside.

This article is a warning … more of a suggestion … to be cautiously optimistic. For a team to even be mentioned here, they have to have high expectations. But, just because a team is a favorite doesn’t mean they don’t have a chink in the armor. So in no particular order, these are the 5 teams that could have the potential to go all the way to the championship, but also could be in for a long season this upcoming year.

1. Chicago Bears

They were only a few more plays behind the arm of Caleb Hanie from potentially going on to the Superbowl. And, while the Steelers might have had a field day against them, we do know that the Bears can throw the ball much in the same model that the Packers do. Plus, this year will be a great chance to infuse young talent in the draft for the bears, as they actually have their own draft picks from rounds 1 through 6.

However, how can a team that gave up so much for a franchise QB in Jay Cutler trust him to be their leader? I won’t debate the guy’s ability, but if he doesn’t develop into the true leader that they need him to be, they could be in trouble. Not to mention that the bear’s defense was heavily fortified with the addition of Julius Peppers, but how long can the unit go on? Tinoisimoa, Idonije, Peppers, Urlacher, Briggs and Adams (6 of their front 7) are 29 or older, and all but Tinoisimoa is 30 or above. The secondary isn’t as old, but they aren’t off by much. Is age everything? No way. But, the bears still have to face a pretty difficult schedule in 2011 (at least on paper) and they may not see the post season if they don’t get off to a fast start.

2. Tennessee Titans

They are in a fairly competitive AFC South and really have the opportunity to compete as long as they can notch a victory (or two) against the Colts in any given season. They also have one of the most explosive players in the game with Chris Johnson, and they do have some nice young stars.

However, in a 4-3 defense you cannot hope to compete without consistent pressure and controlling the line of scrimmage on defense. The Titans have lost guys named Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch in the last few offseasons, and Justin Babin could be gone this year as well. Yes they drafted Derrick Morgan who has potential, but at the same time he is unproven and has only 4 games, 5 tackles, and 1.5 sacks to show for his first round selection. When you add the question marks of the defense to the fact that they have a new head coach and Kerry Collins currently manning the helm at quarterback … they have a lot of offseason work to do.

3. Minnesota Vikings

Many people seem to be high on the Vikings, but they are on the way down. Brett Favre is (well at least we all think he is) gone. Tarvaris Jackson never showed much, and Joe Webb has some speed and … well that’s it. Their infamous Williams’ wall seems to be hanging by a thread and they could lose a few more players in free agency (like Ray Edwards). Percy Harvin is a fantastic player, but his migraines are forcing him to miss some time now and again. They also could be without Sydney Rice next year, and the Randy Moss situation will continue to affect them come draft day when they have neither pick nor player to show for that deal.

Yes they do have Adrian Peterson, one of the most physical running backs in the game. However, they cannot simply be a “grind it out” team. Maybe Peterson could carry the team, and maybe Toby Gerhart would be a solid addition as well. But can you really tell me that in a division that features the high flying attacks of Mike Martz (regardless of quarterback), Aaron Rodgers, and possibly even Matt Stafford (if he remains healthy), then you won’t be able to control the ball for 35 to 40 minutes when other teams can score through the air. The Cleveland Browns employed the strategy with Peyton Hillis last year, and despite his very respectable 1654 yards from scrimmage, they only put 5 W’s on the board. This is a passing league, and if you can’t throw the ball or shut down the other team’s QB, then you could be in for a long season.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

I will catch some flak for this because they are a very well-run organization and don’t seem to miss a beat regardless of the circumstances. However, both the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns have made some improvements, and while they won’t be playoff teams themselves this fall, if they can even put up a fight on Pittsburgh then the Steelers won’t have enough gas in the tank this year. Since the AFC North was founded, the Steelers have made the playoffs every year that they have won at least 4 games in the division, but haven’t made the playoffs even once by going 3-3 in the division or worse. Without getting too deep into stats, the Ravens are developing an offense, the Browns could be on the upside, and despite the questions in Cincinnati, they always play the Steelers tough.

When you add the competition of the division to a team that might be subject to the famous Superbowl hangover, you have a recipe for disaster. Every other team in the division had been resting for close to a month when the Steelers played in the championship game, and if you add in the stat that the Steelers had the oldest team last year, a shorter offseason to rest could bite them right in the behind. By winning the division they will get a difficult schedule that includes a few road trips to the west coast, and they also have some fairly strong needs along the offensive line and at the cornerback position.  Don’t count them out yet, but don’t be surprised if they start off slow and eventually just miss the playoffs this year.

5. Denver Broncos

The entire AFC West seemed to play below their talent level in 2010, but in 2011, the Broncos are looking at a tough year. The Raiders were good enough to be perfect in the division, and seem to have a complete team for the first time since the tuck rule ruined their season. The Chargers have their version of Dan Marino, because while he might never win a ring, Philip Rivers takes over and wins games. The Chiefs are a young and explosive team, and while they won’t be under anyone’s radar this year, they don’t lose much in terms of personnel.

So where does that leave the Broncos? With an underperforming defense that has holes up front and 46 years of experience between the projected 4 starting defensive backs … this could be a bad situation. When you combine that with Jon Fox wanting to transition to the 4-3, this could be a worse situation. Then when you figure that Demaryius Thomas hasn’t been healthy yet, Brandon Llyod caught on fire but might not have the repeat results, Jabar Gaffney is a journeyman, and Eddie Royal hasn’t done much after a red hot rookie season … what is this offense going to do? They don’t owe anything to Tim Tebow, but you also can’t just waste a first round pick on a quarterback. However, how are you going to let him grow if your receiving core doesn’t produce? Furthermore, what if you let him be the starter and decide he isn’t the guy halfway through the season. Turn the team back over to Orton and hope that he can be a Superbowl quarterback? It isn’t as bad as some of the other teams, but these Post-McDaniels Denver Broncos are not the team that Mike Shanahan built.

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I can’t lie, my enthusiasm for the NFL started to wane considerably towards the end of the regular season. Maybe because the suspense in seeing who would qualify for the post-season was virtually non-existent, or my fantasy football team was so disappointing, but I sort of mentally checked out by week fifteen.

But that’s in the past. With the exception of the Chiefs-Ravens and Bears-Seahawks, every playoff game has been, if you will excuse the hyperbole, absolutely riveting. Some might regard the Packers-Falcons as a bit of a flop, but anytime I can watch a quarterback absolutely decimate a home team like Rodgers did on Saturday night, I’m never going to want for anything more from the experience.

Going ahead, nothing looks much different. We have two great games scheduled for this weekend, both with a huge degree of unpredictability applied to them that any football fan, for better or worse, is revolving their Sunday around. And regardless of the outcome of either, there isn’t an unappealing Superbowl match-up in store. But some are better than others, and we want the best possible outcome; because if the game turns into a bloodbath or an insufferable bore, we’re stuck pretending like we give a shit about the latest Soda/Car/Shoe/investment firm ads. And we don’t. We really, truly couldn’t care any less about any commercial that has ever existed.

So let’s take this opportunity to look two steps down the road at our potential contestants for Super Sunday, 2011, in order of what appeals specifically to my sensibilities.

1) Green Bay Packers vs. New York Jets
This game tops my list for a few reasons. The first is it’s something we haven’t seen in awhile. I heard on PTI in respect to the conference title games, that the Packers-Bears trumped the AFC match-up because of the historic implications. Outside of fans of the respective franchises, is there anyone who actually forms opinions like this? If I’m a Chargers fan, I don’t particularly give a shit about what transpired between the two teams in the 1940′s. I’m looking for entertainment and that stems from immediacy. That’s why people talk about the Ravens-Steelers rivalry and not the Browns-Steelers, because one’s been relevant for the past decade and the other hasn’t. This isn’t baseball or college football, newness and the bottom-line trumps tradition at every turn.

Secondly, and it relates to the first reason, is neither of these teams have reached the Superbowl for at least fifteen years. Since 2003, the NFC has only been represented by three different franchises: Steelers Patriots & Colts (in chronological order: Pats, Pats, Steelers, Colts, Pats, Steelers, Colts). This is fairly boring considering how buttoned-up and conservative the three franchises are. At least with the Jets, they’ll do everything they can to make the two-week trudge in between games interesting. They’re even swearing off trash-talking for the Steelers game, and it’s 99% more tolerable than the Patriots are Monday through Saturday.

And finally, if the Packers make and win the Superbowl without Brett Favre, I’ll probably enjoy it a little too much. Remember his wife during that Monday night game in 2009 with the “Thanks Ted” Vikings jersey? I feel like for all the complaining the masses now do about Favre, the level of achieved vindictiveness alone should the Packers win a Superbowl would make this match-up the best of both worlds.

2) Green Bay Packers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
For most of the above stated reasons, but also because the desire for an original match-up doesn’t trumps my desire to see Favre wallowing in whatever pit of despair he’s currently holed up in. Plus, the modern day Steelers would match the modern day Patriots for Superbowl rings if they were to win out, and while I’m pretty indifferent to both franchises, the Pats losing that claim to fame tickles my pickle.

3) Chicago Bears vs. New York Jets
Allow me to use this paragraph to address the ongoing speculation of the Jets and Steelers opting out of trash-talking leading up to their game. One, they actually respect each other. Two, the two teams follow a similar mindset and neither constantly and insufferably boasts about how “tough” and disrespected they are (Ravens) or walks around with an air of self-righteousness about the Right Way to Play Football (Patriots). In short, they’ve both already bested their rivals. The two teams aren’t hostile towards everyone just for the sake of hostility, this past weekend was an aberration of personal disdain we rarely see in professional sports anymore, and we are all the better for it (just compare their divisional round games to the NFC’s). Three, their semi-exhausted from continually having to explain themselves, and really, who wouldn’t be with the fervor in which the NFL is covered?

As for this match-up, the Bears are the one recipe for disaster, and naturally their winning the NFC title is the one scenario that could result in a mediocre game. It has been four years since we last saw a forgettable Superbowl, which would imply we are due for one. Coincidentally, it was the last time the Bears participated in it.

4) Chicago Bears vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
This Bears season has been tremendously difficult to gauge. It seems like every win they’re either dominating convincingly against a solid opponent (Eagles, Packers, Dolphins, Jets) under bizarre circumstances, or barely squeezing out victories against sub-par opponents by virtue of blind luck (Lions twice, Buffalo, Seattle, Dallas). It’s kind of the reason no one likes them and everyone has doubted them (blowing out the Vikings twice this season doesn’t get you much credit).

But the team is resilient, we have to at least give them that, but one has to assume that if given the opportunity, Troy Polamalu and James Harrison (among others) are going to have a field day on Jay Cutler, and this game could turn real ugly, real quick. Thus, this game gets rounds out our arbitrary rankings.

Mind you, we’ll still watch every minute of a Steelers-Bears Superbowl with bated breath, just as we would the Packers-Jets. But when considering the seasons each team has had, that’s the official pecking order. Plus, the Packers-Jets offers the added bonus of being the smallest market team against the biggest market team, something that can be used to divide the clearly polarized country even further. I can’t wait for all the hackneyed lines about Real Americans and country yokels. If it comes to fruition, it should be entertaining. Either way, though, it’s the Superbowl. I’m sure you’ll get some sort of enjoyment out of it.

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Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers -3

The Baltimore Ravens are playing excellent football and hold an impressive 5 game winning streak. Flacco and his hot offense went into Kansas City last week and man-handled the Chiefs in very convincing fashion. The offense is in sync, and the defense has a spark that has once again put the fear into their opponents. Many think this might be the Ravens year, and are eager to get their bets in with Super Bowl Sportsbooks. However the Steelers, who are fresh off a bye week, have a few streaks of their own.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have not lost to a divisional rival in the post-season since the merger back in 1970.  Two of those victories came against the Ravens in ’01 and again ’08. What’s more, they are 8-1 in their past nine Wildcard or divisional playoff games at home.

This AFC North grudge match has odds-makers calling an over/under total of 37 points. Expect a tough, hard fought battle that sees more 3′s than 7′s.

A Few Trends To Consider:
Baltimore is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Baltimore is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Baltimore’s last 11 games when playing on the road against Pittsburgh
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore’s last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
Pittsburgh is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Pittsburgh is 17-5 SU in its last 22 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Pittsburgh’s last 11 games when playing at home against Baltimore

Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons -2.5

The Falcons haven’t gotten the credit they deserve for their amazing regular season. Matt Ryan is deadly at home; in front of a screaming mob of Falcon fans, teams have trouble in Hotlanta. Although, the Falcons excellent 13-3 season and 7-1 home record really don’t matter come post-season. Atlanta has a nice balance of youth and experience, yet the team hasn’t played in the post season as a whole just yet. Their lack of post-season experience might be something the Packers can expose.

Green Bay has just beaten a high-powered offensive Eagles squad in a city where they wreck Toyota Camry’s when they lose. The Packers have a defense that is excellent at adjusting to their opponents. Meanwhile, the offense missed a couple of opportunities that could have sealed the deal a lot earlier. Expect added focus on the offense this week.

A Few Trends To Consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Green Bay’s last 9 games on the road
Green Bay is 8-3 SU in its last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Green Bay’s last 7 games when playing Atlanta
Green Bay is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Atlanta is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games at home
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Green Bay
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 7 games when playing Green Bay

New York Jets vs. New England -8.5

Tom Brady took the high road in the war of words this week. Trash talk through the media rarely turns out great for the team with the big mouth (sorry, don’t have those stats). Regardless, this game could be considered “payback” for either team. This divisional battle is close in the eyes of true Jets fans, but odds-makers have the Patriots as 8.5 favorites.  Super Bowl Betting wouldn’t be the same without Tom Brady in it, yet if the upset comes through, Sanchez and the Jets might finally get some respect from Vegas.

Team records:
New York: 11-5 SU, 9-7 ATS
New England: 14-2 SU, 10-5-1 ATS

A Few Trends To Consider:
The total has gone OVER in 9 of the NY Jets last 10 games on the road
NY Jets are 12-3 SU in their last 15 games on the road
NY Jets are 12-4 SU in their last 16 games
The total has gone OVER in 12 of the NY Jets last 16 games
New England is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
New England is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of New England’s last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New England’s last 10 games

Seattle Seahawks  vs. Chicago Bears -10

Can lightning strike twice? Well, this Seattle team can cause Earthquakes…does that count? To be fair, it was the insane Seattle fan base that rocked the stadium like a shake-weight last week. Matt Hasselbeck is the talk of the league with his near perfect performance and 4 touchdown passes, but as fast as this league praises you, they can turn on you and feed you to the wolves bears. Seattle played a great game at home last week, do they have the same magic on the road against a sleeping Bear?

A Few Trends To Consider:
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle’s last 5 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Seattle’s last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Seattle’s last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago’s last 5 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Chicago’s last 6 games
Chicago is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games
Chicago is 16-7 SU in its last 23 games at home

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Chicago Bears vs. Carolina Panthers

Jay Cutler has been ruled out for Sunday’s game. So in other words, it’s the Panthers game to lose. Todd Collins was not impressive in his relieve role after Cutler has broken in half from the blitzing Giants pass rush last Sunday. This is mess for fantasy receivers and projections almost don’t need to be done. The Panthers and Bears have great defense’s that might be worth starting in a contest for who can grab more interceptions.

The Panthers rushing attack will be the center piece for this weeks match-up. Although, with both teams loading the box this game may result in a 16-13 type grudge match. Matt Forte for the Bears is all of a sudden worth a fantasy start as Mike Martz will have to call more running plays whether he likes it or not. This game is shaping up to be a battle of the coaches, who ever can best game plan for the lack of passing attack against a solid defense will walk away with a win.

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Week 5 Fantasy Projections: Bears vs. Panthers Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

Chicago Bears 3-0 vs. New York Giants 1-2

Two teams with different records that could easily flip places. The Bears have been close in all three contests and have made mistakes that could have cost them games. Where the Giants are the example on how to implode.

Fantasy games like this one are always tricky. You could see monster numbers from fantasy players or not hear their names all day. With both teams playing somewhat streaky football you should weigh your options before starting fantasy players from this game.

Week 4 Fantasy Projections: Bears vs. Giants Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

Editors Picks

• Tim Jennings Recovery Of James Jones Fumble Leads To Bears’ Game-Winning FG -SB Nation Chicago

• Cowher to coach Giants in 2011? - SI.com

• Monday Night Fantasy Football Versus: Week Three - NFLSoup

• 49ers fire Jimmy Raye – could Mike Singletary next? -TheScoresReport

• Week 3 NFL Checkdown- SportingNews.com

• Bill Polian: 18-game season done deal -ESPN.com

• Latest NFL Injury Reports and News: Offensive Players -FFtoolbox

• Michael Vick, Fantasy Football Hero -NFLFanHouse

Editor’s Picks: Bears Avoid The 4th Quarter Choke Gridiron Experts Gridiron Experts - Where Fantasy Football Champions Are Born

Oh Mike Martz, how I love thee.

Instead of playing some kind of old school, grind-em-out system of running football, complete with 17-14 game scores, Mike Martz plays to take flight, running the ball only when the defense is stuck in dime packages for a good 4-5 plays.

He is the father of the “Greatest Show on Turf”, as well as Jon Kitna’s two 4,000+ yard seasons.

The fact that Mike Martz was ever let go is a joke. Even his doubters will find it hard to question his effectiveness. He turned no name Kurt Warner into a star, duped people into thinking Marc Bulger was a solid QB, and made Jon Kitna look like the messiah. His teams after his dismissal are a joke too. He left the Rams in 2005, right before their collapse and then the 7-9 Lions in 2007, right before their following 0 win season. His only real knock was his tenure with the 49ers, where he was stuck with a broken team and a coach that got fired mid-season. Also, having J.T. O’Sullivan as your starting QB isn’t exactly the best way to get through a season.

Mike Martz’s scheme, much like the scheme of Mike Leach (of former Texas Tech fame) on the college level, didn’t need stud receivers or an amazing running back. He had those on his Rams squad, but his Lions squad really wasn’t that talented at all. He just needs a QB with a big, accurate arm… and some brains. Alex Smith, in a recent conversation with Jay Cutler on the amount of plays in the Mike Martz playbook, said that “I wouldn’t even know how to put a number on (the amount of plays in the playbook). I think it was never-ending,” he said with a laugh. “I think the thing with coach Martz was he was always coming up with new stuff. You would be in the meeting and he would be coming up with new plays.” With play calls like “Flank RT Scat 370 F Shoot/Pump/Wing” and “Jack RT Zip Ace RT Hot 940 F Arrow/Swing” you need to have a brain in your head.

With Jay Cutler throwing to the super fast Devin Hester and Johnny Knox, as well as TE Greg Olson and RB Matt Forte, I’d say the Bears are in for a pretty darn good offensive year. I definitely expect Cutler to throw for 4,000+ yards (hey, if Jon Kitna can do it, Jay Cutler certainly can) and 30+ TD’s (with probably just as many picks, but hey, you have to pay to play), and both of the starting receivers to have pretty decent years. Neither of them compare to Torry Holt or Isaac Bruce, so I wouldn’t be looking for gimme 1,000 yard seasons, but they will both outproduce their 2009 selves. The running back situation is a bit of a toss up. On one hand, I expect Matt Forte to become a much more effective pass catching RB, but with Chester Taylor now on the team, I think his rushing numbers will take a slight dive. the hardest person to gauge is TE Greg Olson. Being a great pass catching TE, it would be a total waste to not get him into the offense, but Martz has no history of featured TE’s. Still, I expect Martz to find a way to use his talent, and he will probably have a great season.

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