The Chicago Bears attempted 650 passes last season, compared to only 355 rushing attempts. Only the Oakland Raiders ran the ball less often, according to Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune.
That's bound to change in 2015, as the Bears are re-committing to the ground game under new head coach John Fox.
"Everyone at the end of the day wants to have some sort of balance," quarterback Jay Cutler said, via the Tribune. "It gives you friendlier coverages. You see less blitzes. Adam's aware of that. I know Coach Fox preaches on it as well. It's going to be something ... we're always going to be thinking about."
Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long was able to expound upon the benefits of a strong running game.
"It keeps people honest," Long said, per the Tribune. "And with a guy like Jay and the receivers that we have, we should be able to utilize the run game and then throw a couple changeups in there every once in a while. You've got to keep (defenses) on their toes."
The Bears still have one of the league's best running backs in Matt Forte -- who's in search of a fourth-consecutive 1,000-yard season -- but they could lean on more of a committee this season to diversify the attack. Fourth-round rookie Jeremy Langford and free agency acquisition Jacquizz Rodgers are currently in the mix.
(h/t Chicago Tribune)
Photo Credit: Mike DiNovo/USA TODAY Sports
