Bears Need to 'Run' with Injuries

Losing your four top receivers is never usually a reason for optimism. However, for the Chicago Bears, during this time of organizational change, it may prove to be just what the doctor ordered.

It was a disappointing blow when the Bears announced highly touted first round pick Kevin White (shin) would miss at least the first 6 weeks of the season. Add to that, injuries to Alshon Jeffery (Calf), Marquess Wilson (Hamstring), and most recently highly anticipated offseason signing Eddie Royal (hip) and the Bears receiving corps is rivalling the Cleveland Browns (sorry Browns fans). Much of the response to the growing list of injuries in Chicago has been expectantly negative, however, if ever there was a time to lean on the running game, it is now.

Over the past two seasons (Trestman era) the Bears finished in the bottom half of the league in team rushing percentage; 21st (2013) 31st (2014). If ever there was a good time to have to lean on the running game, it’s 2015, with Ryan Pace addressing the teams running back depth in the offseason and creating a potentially dangerous three-headed monster in Chicago’s backfield. Despite the lack of carries, Forte was able to put together his third 1,000+ yard season in 2014, and has shown no signs of showing down. With the added depth of veteran back Jacquizz Rodgers, and steal of the 2015 draft Jeremy Langford (right), the Bears running game has the potential to do some real damage this season. The need to rely on the running game, will bring with it a lighter workload for Jay Cutler.

Under Marc Trestman, the Bears threw the ball an average of 62.4% of the time (60.12% in 2013, 64.68 % in 2014) Putting a tremendous amount of unnecessary pressure on Cutler, especially considering Forte is in their backfield. Granted, the Bears found themselves behind on the scoreboard often in 2014, regardless, the team did not run the ball enough at any point in 2014. For all the heat the Bears QB takes, the team has relied far too heavily on him in 2014, especially in comparison to some of the some of the leagues most successful passers (Seattle 48.56%, Rodgers 56.36%, Brady 59.59%) The loss of the top four receivers hurts, a lot, but it could potentially have a lasting positive impact on the direction of the team.

 There is a perfect storm brewing in the windy city; a need to depend on the running game, the best depth the backfield has had in years, having the 3rd ranked rushing attack in the 2015 preseason, combined with a lessened workload for Jay Cutler. Despite a depleted receiving corps, Chicago’s offence has potential to burst out of the gate in 2015.

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Pictures sourced from: http://www.chicagonow.com/chicago-bears-huddle/2011/11/chicago-bears-huddle-stock-report-4/ , http://www.dabearsbeat.com/2015/05/07/an-early-look-at-chicagos-2016-cap/