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I hope to discuss logically since IMO not all games will allow the Bears a multiple score lead going into half and especially into the 4th Qrt. We've all seen prevent used often in these situations this season and last. Bears usually win, so we can't ignore that, but I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm concerned about them blowing leads. I feel this is THE main & biggest threat to wins, as seen vs GB losses, DEN skin of teeth survival, and many "should be" blow outs, even shutouts turned scary late. Stats approaching half & end of the game were staggeringly worse last year & probably '19 (yards & points scored/allowed) vs solid to incredible otherwise, esp on D. (Offensive Prevent Run game also mentioned)
1. GOOD / Reasons to "Get Soft"
- force opposing Offenses to go 8, 9, hell 15 plays to score = take at least 4 mins off the clock & make them use time outs.
- more plays = more chances at sacks & turnovers
- clock killing run game decreases giving up sacks, clock stoppage, & turnovers.
2. BAD / Why they shouldn't back off
- consistently blowing leads (+Bears' O isn't scoring at will lately...especially when backing off themselves to kill clock)
- turnovers seem to come & go. Can't be "counted on"
- Each QB in all 4 games has racked up more "garbage time" yards and TDs than the 75-80% of the rest of the game.
- DB cushions have been well behind LOS to the point closing speed still isn't enough to stop 1st downs easily seen before snap.
- Bears clock-killing run game O is not clicking. If it was, it'd make more sense. I counted 3 straight Bears O 3 & out drives in the 4th. DM needs some blocking.
3. ??? Not sure about ???
- Prevent more likely to = wins? or risky by trading clock for opponents the chance to incrementally creep back in?
- Stats on Prevent D success? Would need score differential or yards gained/given before backing off vs final across many games.
- Are Bears just going Prevent too early??
- Maybe DBs & LBs are just cushioning TOO SOFTLY?? or O running to kill clock too soon/often/predictably??
Please, let's keep this positive. By no means am I complaining. This team is STACKED and kicking asses. My expectations couldn't be higher, but I do feel like they are their own worst enemy with the prevent D (and very week run game), making 4th quarters frustrating & even scary. Not fun to watch leads dwindle when I feel they could be extended or at least maintained. I welcome your comments.
1. GOOD / Reasons to "Get Soft"
- force opposing Offenses to go 8, 9, hell 15 plays to score = take at least 4 mins off the clock & make them use time outs.
- more plays = more chances at sacks & turnovers
- clock killing run game decreases giving up sacks, clock stoppage, & turnovers.
2. BAD / Why they shouldn't back off
- consistently blowing leads (+Bears' O isn't scoring at will lately...especially when backing off themselves to kill clock)
- turnovers seem to come & go. Can't be "counted on"
- Each QB in all 4 games has racked up more "garbage time" yards and TDs than the 75-80% of the rest of the game.
- DB cushions have been well behind LOS to the point closing speed still isn't enough to stop 1st downs easily seen before snap.
- Bears clock-killing run game O is not clicking. If it was, it'd make more sense. I counted 3 straight Bears O 3 & out drives in the 4th. DM needs some blocking.
3. ??? Not sure about ???
- Prevent more likely to = wins? or risky by trading clock for opponents the chance to incrementally creep back in?
- Stats on Prevent D success? Would need score differential or yards gained/given before backing off vs final across many games.
- Are Bears just going Prevent too early??
- Maybe DBs & LBs are just cushioning TOO SOFTLY?? or O running to kill clock too soon/often/predictably??
Please, let's keep this positive. By no means am I complaining. This team is STACKED and kicking asses. My expectations couldn't be higher, but I do feel like they are their own worst enemy with the prevent D (and very week run game), making 4th quarters frustrating & even scary. Not fun to watch leads dwindle when I feel they could be extended or at least maintained. I welcome your comments.