Chicago Bears: Lovie Reins in Martz, Running Backs Sighted in Chicago

The next time someone starts bragging about how the Bears are now Super Bowl contenders because Mike Martz and Tice have fixed the O-line problems here’s what you do: 1) suppress the desire to slap the back of their head; and 2) refer them to this commentary.

See, Martz hasn't fixed anything.  Okay, the arrival of Mike Tice at least gave Chicago someone who believed in the actual existence of an offensive line (which is more than I can say for Martz).  And yes, new center Garza, rookie RT Carimi and vastly improved LT Webb do seem to be on their way to improving this unit.  But here is what really happened:

Lovie and Martz have had a private meeting. Do I have empirical knowledge of this event?  No.  Am I absolutely sure that it occurred?  You bet.  And I can prove it.  A casual football fan came up to me yesterday and said, “Boy, this guy Forte’s really something—where did he come from?”  I rest my case.  Running back Forte, as I’m sure you all know, has been with the Bears his entire career.  Martz just didn’t use him.  For Martz, it’s all about (and has always been all about) hugely complex and often impossible deep routes.  Even I, who really do not like Martz for all the pain he’s caused his unprotected QBs, have to admit that he is gifted with a hugely creative offensive vision. 

But sometimes, unchecked genius leads to disaster.  For Martz it was disaster in St. Louis (post Vermeil), Detroit and San Francisco.  And it was on its way to being a disaster in Chicago until Lovie laid down the law: the Bears will have a running game in 2011.

Mike’s reputation was made 10 years ago when he was the offensive coordinator of the Rams under Dick Vermeil.  And, to give due credit, he was the architect of the Greatest Show on Turf.  But let’s not forget that his tools included HOF QB Kurt Warner, HOF tackle Orlando Pace and wideouts Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt.  Oh, and a pass-catching HOF running back by the name of Marshall Faulk.  But it was Vermeil who insisted that Martz not ignore #28 in favor of all those complex deep passing plans.  Result: defenses could not double cover both receivers, defend the run and screen game AND get pass-rushers past Pace.  Eleven defenders are not enough.  Second result: a record-setting offense, soaring national popularity and a Super Bowl win.

And who was the defensive coordinator of those winning Rams’ teams?  Lovie Smith.  I thought Lovie was insane to hire Martz.  I thought Martz was going to get a very expensive QB killed.  I thought Lovie wasn’t strong enough as a head coach to control Mike M.  Well, shame on me.  The fact that Forte, Kahlil Bell and new arrival Marion Barber are now dynamic parts of this offense is conclusive proof Mr. Smith expressed to Mr. Martz that perhaps a running game was in order. 

These new rushing plans do not appear to include Chester Taylor who may, it now seems, have been let go by the Vikings for a reason.  But there is now even a fullback on the Bears offensive roster.  I’m in shock.  Now, if Smith would only explain to his offensive coordinator that many tight ends truly have the ability to catch a football, I would think that Jay Cutler might make it unscathed to the third game.  But, since Greg Olsen was traded to Carolina, Lovie is apparently choosing his battles.  Oh well, I guess Bears fans can’t have everything.