NFC Central

Sporting News, The, Sept 20, 1999

Teams are listed alphabetically

Without Barry, three carry the Lions' share

It might take another millennium or two before the Lions find a player who can duplicate the spectacular moves of Barry Sanders, but it didn't take them any time at all to replace his yardage.

Of course, it took three players to do it.

Ron Rivers, Greg Hill and Cory Schlesinger combined for 170 yards on 33 carries--just over a 5-yard average--in Detroit's 28-20 victory over the Seahawks. Rivers led the way with 96 yards--and 39 more on receptions, including a 19-yard screen pass to set up Detroit's victory-clinching score.

"We're going to go with the guy who's hot. We're going to use them all and keep them fresh," Lions coach Bobby Ross says.

While the Lions were waiting for St. Louis to pull the trigger on the deal that brought Hill to Detroit with one week left in the preseason, Ross used Schlesinger, a fullback, in a one-back formation, and the Lions had success with it. Schlesinger is a battering ram of a runner, who dishes out more punishment than he receives.

Rivers got the start, but Hill--the fastest of the three--supplied the first fireworks with a 19-yard run, the longest of the game. Then it was Schlesinger's turn, and he had 47 yards on seven carries by halftime. The Lions continued to mix and match with different runners and formations, but Rivers took over in the second half. He got 83 of his 96 yards in the final two quarters and finished with a 6-yard average.

"You have to stay ready all the time. You just look for the signal," says Schlesinger, referring to the sign that fight ends coach Danny Smith uses to let the players know who will be entering the game. "You watch him and wait your turn." --Tom Kowalski

Chicago

1-0: T 1st

Playbook will expand as players adjust to system

The team is going with many new looks on offense, and the players say the playbook of coordinator Gary Crowton has barely been opened. Look for increased use of motion and more vertical plays as players adjust to the system. QB Shane Matthews rarely threw longer than 15 yards against Kansas City, and the obvious move is to force the Bears out of their short game and make Matthews prove he has a deep arm.... Backup QB Cade McNown played one series against Kansas City and might see more time, but the offense run so well under Matthews, inserting McNown could be the wrong thing in terms of momentum.... RB Curtis Enis is showing more speed to the outside than ever, a tribute to his work to drop from 245 to 225 pounds. He remains as the lone back m virtually all third-down sets because of his improving blitz pickups.... CB Tom Carter's strained calf muscle will be evaluated this week. If he can't play, Terry Cousin will replace him as he did for 12 games last year when Carter broke his collarbone. The defense loses size and speed without Carter, but Cousin was a threat to start in training camp because of his aggressive play. He could improve his stock with a strong performance if Carter is out

SCOUTING REPORT: LT Blake Brockermeyer has been better than advertised. Brockermeyer is 6-4 and 310 pounds, but he isn't a mauler. He has a good drop step into pass protection and decent strength, but his punch could be stronger. He can be a good run blocker, but the Bears' scheme does not give the tackles much help, preferring to use the tight ends and backs in the passing game and to spread the field. His athleticism should make him a good fit in the new blocking system, which begins with a drop step and relies on angles instead of double-teaming at the point of attack.

SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Though the tight ends caught only two passes against Kansas City, they are a major part of the offensive makeover. The Bears are passing out of two- and three-tight end packages, and both John Alfred and Alonzo Mayes have good hands. Undersized Ryan Wetnight is the best receiver of the bunch. All three are being used on a variety of routes, including some with depth. The Bears went with at least two tight ends nearly half the lime against Kansas City, yet threw the ball 47 times compared to 29 runs, an indication that a jumbo package won't limit them to running the ball. --John Mullin

GRADING OUT vs. Kansas City

OFFENSE B

New looks confused Chiefs, but 2.3 yards per rush must be improved.

DEFENSE B

Blitzes set aggressive tone; line was inconsistent against the pass and run.

SPECIAL TEAMS A-

Coverage units were outstanding; Milburn's returns are always a threat.

COACHING A-

Schemes were solid, but late conservatism let Chiefs build some momentum.

BEARS

PASSING    Att.   Comp.   Pct.   Yds.   Long
Matthews     38      25   65.8    245     29
McNown        9       6   66.7     77     23

PASSING   TD   Int.    Rate   Sacks
Matthews   2      O   101.3       1
McNown     0      0    93.3       0

RUSHING     Att.   Yds.   Avg.   TD
Enis          22     64    2.9    0
Milbum         2     11    5.5    0
Engram         1      9    9.0    0

RECEIVING   Att.   Yds.   Avg.   TD
Conway         9     88    9.8    0
Engram         6     53    8.8    0
Enis           5     69   13.8    1

SCORING     XPM   XPA   FGM   FCA   Pts.
Gowins        2     2     2     2      8

PUNTING      No.   Yds.   Avg.   Blk.
Sauerbrun      5    183   36.6      0

KO RETURNS   No.   Yds.   Avg.   TD.
Milburn        4     92   23.0     0