The wild-card playoffs were a stark reminder that Matt Nagy needs to fix the glaring issue that is the Bears’ run game.
After a disappointing 2019 season, the Chicago Bears were forced to watch the first round of the NFL playoffs from home. And there was plenty to learn from the wild-card playoffs — especially for head coach Matt Nagy.
But there was one thing that stood apart from the others. The wild-card playoffs were a stark reminder that Nagy needs to fix the one glaring issue that has plagued him since his arrival in Chicago: The run game.
It’s no secret that having a balanced offensive attack produces results. Just look at the top running teams — Ravens, 49ers, Titans, Seahawks — they all made the postseason.
Here’s what stood out about the wild-card round concerning the running game:
Derrick Henry carried the Titans offense on his back
Perhaps the most obvious example of the power of a strong running game came with the performance of Titans running back Derrick Henry, who single-handedly carried Tennessee’s offense to victory over the Patriots.
Henry carried the ball 34 times for 182 yards and a touchdown, which helped quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who had just 72 passing yards on the night.
An effective run game is a struggling quarterback’s best friend, which was something that Mitchell Trubisky and the Bears offense lacked last season.
Dalvin Cook’s success on the ground opened up the passing game
It’s not a surprise that Vikings running back Dalvin Cook found success on the ground, as he was one of the best backs in the NFL. It’s also no coincidence that quarterback Kirk Cousins had perhaps his best season yet.
Against the Saints, Cook had 28 carries for 94 yards and two touchdowns. It was Minnesota’s balanced attack that kept the Saints defense in check and allowed Cousins to open up the passing game.
Devin Singletary found success on the ground when Bills committed to the run
A consistent run game is important to a balanced offense, something Nagy has learned the hard way this season. It’s also something that doomed the Bills in a 22-19 loss to the Texans.
When Devin Singletary carried the ball, he was effective. He had 13 carries for 58 yards, which included some big runs that kept the chains moving.
The Bills had found success in the run game in the first half, which made it confusing as to why they abandoned it and put all the pressure on quarterback Josh Allen. Ultimately, their young QB couldn’t deliver under the pressure.
Mobile quarterbacks made the most of their opportunities on the ground
Something that was missing from the Bears offense this season was Mitchell Trubisky’s mobility. Trubisky has proven to be one of the better mobile quarterbacks in terms of making plays with his legs. But that aspect of his game was glaringly absent. The one time it wasn’t? The Bears pounded the Cowboys in a 31-24 victory, where Trubisky rushed 10 times for 63 yards and one touchdown — on top of his three passing touchdowns.
But the wild-card round was another reminder how utilizing a quarterback’s mobility can provide an extra spark to the run game. Look no further than the Bills-Texans game, where both Josh Allen and Deshaun Watson made plays with their legs. Allen had nine carries for 92 yards while Watson had 14 carries for 55 yards and a score.
Seattle’s Russell Wilson used his legs to make some plays, notching 45 yards on nine carries, while New Orleans’ Taysom Hill had four carries for 50 yards.
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