Walter Brzeski, Bears Superfan

An article by Bears Offensive Line Coach, Harry Hiestand entitled, "Developing Blocking Fundamentals, The Drive Block and Double Team" is something he should handout to all the Bears offensive lineman after Sunday's 'D-' performance against San Diego.

The article appeared in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) 2001 Football Clinic Manual when Hiestand was an assistant head coach/offensive line coach at the University of Illinois (Bears Offensive Coordinator Ron Turner's tenure as head coach).

In the article, Hiestand explains the proper way an offensive lineman can drive and double team defensive players off the line and open up holes for the running back. Also, the advantages of getting off the ball, using the snap count, never allowing the defender to cross your helmet to the playside, and proper hand and pad leverage are stressed in the article.

In fact, the only reason for them not to get a grade of 'F' was because they adjusted their pass protection in the second half and saved Rex Grossman from being taken off on a stretcher or cart. The running holes and a positive movement of the line-of-scrimmage (LOS) were non-existent the whole game. And, a lot has to with 'undersized' Olin Kreutz not getting any help in blocking a stronger and quicker nose tackle with 'combination' or 'chip' blocks from the guards. But, all of it can't be blamed on Kreutz as Roberto Garza's man caused the Cedric Benson fumble and John Tait, Fred Miller, and Ruben Brown looked old, slow, and stiff most of the day.

WHEN will some Bears coach notice Kreutz can't block these types of defenders by himself and put some kind of adjustment in the game? Why not use an outside run or misdirection play to keep the defensive line guessing? Do they Bears have any sweeps, quick pitches, reverses, fake reverse FB lead plays, off-tackle plays, or counter treys (ala 'The Hogs' of Washington Redskins fame) in their offensive package?

Walter 'Butch' Brzeski

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Link to Hiestand's article:

http://www.powerpointplaybook.com/dovadesignsmainfolder/powerpointplaybook/coachingstrategy/01SM_Harry_Hiestand.pdf