Change is in the air with Bears' new offense

Sporting News, The, June 28, 1999 by Chris Jenkins

RELATED ARTICLE: Shotgun wedding

The Bears aren't the only NFC Central team trying to bolster their passing game. In addition to the Bears, the Packers, Buccaneers and Lions are considering adding shotgun formations to their offenses. The Vikings, of course, already use it. Could this season be anything like 1995, when the black-and-blue division went run-and-gun and four NFC Central QBs passed for more than 3,800 yards?

Mike Holmgren and Dave Wannstedt were anti-shotgun, but they're both elsewhere. Tony Dungy has changed his mind, either to help immobile quarterback Trent Dilfer or make way for rookie Shaun King, no stranger to the shotgun at Tulane.

Coaches don't like the shotgun because it tips off defenses; you're either passing or running a draw. That puts a lot of pressure on an offensive line, as defensive linemen don't have to respect the run and can go all-out in the pass rush. But the payoff--extra time to scan the field and throw the ball--can't be ignored. --C.J.

Chris Jenkins is a projects editor/online and football writer for THE SPORTING NEWS. Dan Pompei's column will return soon.