Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2016 10:54:33 GMT -6
Bears' backs still in the running for playing time
Rich CampbellContact ReporterChicago Tribune
Jeremy Langford began by running toward the right edge of the offensive line as his blockers moved that direction in unison. Then, with one decisive cut, he burst upfield through a gaping hole. It was a tantalizing glimpse of the Bears' rebuilt rushing attack at its best.
Langford's 34-yard gain in the exhibition against the Patriots last Thursday at New England established an early benchmark for the team's committee of backs as it continues to evolve in the zone running attack new offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains favors.
The lateral flow and one-cut style appeal to Langford and the other runners, who hope to continue establishing its effectiveness in Saturday's exhibition against the Chiefs at Soldier Field.
"It's something we have to adjust to," Langford said Thursday. "It gives you more of a variety of cuts and more options once the offensive linemen are doing as good as they are."
That at least appeared true against the Patriots, as three Bears tailbacks combined for 108 yards on 25 carries, a healthy 4.3-yard average. Coaches can consider the contributing factors, such as Langford's speed and rookie Jordan Howard's physicality, as they contemplate how to divide playing time during the regular season.
In exhibitions, the Bears are predetermining each runner's snaps so they can showcase themselves and gain experience. When the games count, the allotment will be more situational, with coach John Fox relying on who's playing well and who has fresh legs.
This month, practices and exhibition games are helping the Bears get a clearer picture of how they will piece the puzzle together to try to fill the void Matt Forte's departure created.
"Right now everybody is trying to define a role," veteran Jacquizz Rodgers said. "Whoever is in, they try to make a play. Whoever is not in, we're their biggest cheerleader. We're going to push each other every day, so whoever is in the game will have to come with their 'A' game."
Langford has started the first two exhibitions and is positioned to stay in that role entering Week 1. He began his second year determined to make himself more valuable on all three downs, concentrating on becoming a more reliable receiver and a better pass blocker.
He also wants to be more consistent gaining yards after contact, something that stood out on one carry in the first half against the Patriots. Langford spun off the attempted tackle of two-time All-Pro safety Devin McCourty, falling forward for seven yards after the hit.
"I feel like I'm getting better," he said. "Really just having that mindset to be able to do so."
Behind Langford, Rodgers has only 12 yards on eight exhibition carries. But his experience, particularly on third downs, appeals to coaches and quarterback Jay Cutler. The latter is especially important as Cutler gets accustomed to life in the pocket without Forte.
"Quizz, he's a consummate pro, always trying to do it the correct way," Cutler said.
Jacquizz Rodgers during a run against the Denver Broncos in the first half at Soldier Field on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2016. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)
Third-year back Ka'Deem Carey is a bit of a wild card because he suffered a concussion in the first exhibition against the Broncos, who shut out the Bears' offense while erasing their running game.
After sitting out last week against the Patriots, Carey is approaching Saturday with urgency.
"The last couple of practices, I've been really top-ending my routes," he said Wednesday. "I've been running the ball extremely hard. Pass 'pro' has been coming real good to me right now. Just keep focusing on those three things and I'll be the back I want to be."
Howard is the fourth back vying for significant time, although his exhibition action has been with the reserves. He pounded out 46 yards on 11 carries against the Patriots with the bruising style that enticed the Bears to draft him in the fifth round.
He was most satisfied with an 11-yard inside zone run on which he patiently followed the pulling blocker and then fired upfield. He said he improved his yards after contact from the Broncos game.
With the Bears' first-string offense expected to play into the third quarter against the Chiefs, coaches could evaluate a variety of options in situations that resemble the regular season. Of course, right guard Kyle Long's absence with a a shoulder injury won't help the cause, but the Bears might have to live with that beyond the preseason.
That makes Saturday's audition even more meaningful, as the identity of the offense continues to take shape.
rcampbell@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @rich_Campbell
