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#Bears run game thread:
All offseason there have been hints and clues to unravel that would suggest they're moving to a heavier outside zone based scheme. Cordarrelle Patterson moving to RB full time just about confirms what I've speculated.
All offseason there have been hints and clues to unravel that would suggest they're moving to a heavier outside zone based scheme. Cordarrelle Patterson moving to RB full time just about confirms what I've speculated.
The Reid coaching tree is a true inside zone heavy run scheme. The problem is that it's not an efficient playcall but even more so if you dont have the jimmys and joes upfront. It's an easy run fit for the defense especially when not attached as an RPO. Its a "run up the middle"
PFF recently did a study on inside run plays versus outside run plays. They found that outside run plays were a lot more efficient on a play to play basis. You could easily see this by comparing run stats of the Reid coaching tree (inside zone) vs the Shanny tree (outside zone)
Not only is outside zone a proven more efficient run call but it's also a better run scheme based on their personnel. James Daniels was an excellent OZ prospect coming out because he's a good athlete but lacks the functional strength for IZ.
You look at their allocation in the draft of Cole Kmet in the second round and it doesnt quite make sense based on the dollars spent on Graham. Unless they were looking for that playside blocker (Kittle type Y TE) to lead the front side of outside zone.
Tarik Cohen has struggled staying patient on run plays and "taking what he can get" which is needed for an IZ scheme. In OZ he doesnt have to stay as patient. He's moving laterally before making "his one cut" and getting laterally upfield.
Patterson is the final breadcrumb for the run scheme. Majority of his big runs have been on outside tosses and OZ plays. That's because it's directly correlated to a KR. Receiving the ball, taking it laterally before making "one cut upfield"
At the end of '19 the Bears experimented calling more OZ plays and putting Patterson in the backfield for those carries specifically. Obviously they liked the change and what they saw from him in those limited reps. He still has the highest yards per carry in NFL history
My only question is how Juan Castillo fits into all of this? He doesnt come from an OZ based run scheme. Is he that great of an OL coach that he can teach a run scheme he's not used to? That would take a much more open minded POV than most coaches I've been around.
Guys want to be brought in and coach "their scheme". Possibly their relationship was good enough that it helps the transition. Would've loved if they brought in someone outside of the Reid tree (even not as OL coach) that could help (possibly even from the Shanny tree)
Pederson and the Eagles brought in Rich Scangarello as an assistant this year. He's coached multiple seasons under Shanny. Makes you wonder if multiple Reid disciples are transitioning to heavier OZ and if conversations they've had with each other is what influenced the moves
Regardless it's is a good sign that Chicago has a HC willing to step outside of his comfort zone to something he sees working around the NFL (SF, Tenn, GB, Minn). Patterson will do REALLY well in this scheme at RB. Give him every carry you can until he's #2 in YPC in NFL history.
Important note:
Forgot to include the report that the Bears are having Ragone work with Patterson and that is significant. He's been known as a guy that isnt good with the playbook. The fact that they're having someone help him outside of the RB coach means big plans are coming
Forgot to include the report that the Bears are having Ragone work with Patterson and that is significant. He's been known as a guy that isnt good with the playbook. The fact that they're having someone help him outside of the RB coach means big plans are coming
One more:
I was wrong about Castillo having experience in the Shanny tree. He overlapped in Baltimore with Kubiak. You guys need to get ready for this switch to OZ. It's coming and it's a VERY good thing.
I was wrong about Castillo having experience in the Shanny tree. He overlapped in Baltimore with Kubiak. You guys need to get ready for this switch to OZ. It's coming and it's a VERY good thing.
