The
2018 Chicago Bears Complete Offensive Manual gives educated fans and coaches of all
levels tremendous insight into a complete offensive system at your fingertips. This
book provides detailed analysis, diagrams, efficiency charts, progression
reads, and protections for every concept the Bears used. The book doubles as a
film index as well. Each concept also has a table showing where you can find
the specific film clips for each play.
One of my favorite aspects about the Bears’ offense in 2018
was the use of “HB Read”, or weak side option route. This play was one of
the most frequently used concepts for the Bears, and the most common variation
is the cover image for the book.
The play features the running back as the primary read for
the quarterback. When the defense elects to play with two high safeties or
single high with a five-man pressure scheme, they would leave the running back
in a one on one matchup. With Tarik Cohen running the option route, this
concept puts the Bears best skill player on a two-way go.
If defenses get worried and bracket the option route with two defenders, the “Spot – Dig” combination on the other side of the field gives the quarterback a three on two with the flat and hook defender. The video below shows what this combination looks like.
The Bears paired the option route with a few other combinations as well. In each variation, the quarterback had an answer for any coverage.
The Bears had plenty of ways to counter a defenses reaction
to this concept. On a few occasions when the single receiver was played one on
one, The Bears ran a corner – and – go down the sideline. This hit for a few
big plays throughout the season.
One way to neutralize the option route with single coverage is to play tight man with inside leverage. The out cut is a much harder throw against tight coverage, and can potentially lead to an interception if not accurate. When the Bears saw this response, Nagy and the coaching staff dialed up a curl-wheel combination. This play averaged 15 yards per attempt during the 2018 season.
As you can see with the “HB Read” example, Matt Nagy built his offense as a system rather than a collection of plays. The entire offense, run game, RPO’s, drop back pass, play action pass, and screen game all fit together.
The creativity in the run game is often a forgotten element
in NFL offenses. This was not the case for Nagy and the Bears. Using
misdirection, motion, unique formations (the T Formation!), and well-designed
RPO’s, Nagy separated himself from most NFL coaches. These elements often gave
the Bears better angles and timing for their run schemes.
This book is meant to serve as a resource for high school
coaches, college coaches, and anybody who wants to understand how Matt Nagy
orchestrated a successful turnaround season for the Chicago Bears.
