The Bears' offense evolves from feared to flawed

Sporting News, The, Oct 9, 2000 by Gary Horton

Webster's Dictionary offers attention-getting device, anything that tricks and ruse as definitions for the word gimmick. After a 1-4 start, the Bears' offense deserves to be listed under gimmick in the dictionary.

What was supposed to be one of the most feared units in the league has turned into an embarrassing showcase of an overrated runner and an in-over-his-head passer. Sure, losing slot receiver Bobby Engram, who was masterful at getting open underneath, has hurt. The real problems, however, begin with Curtis Enis and end with Cade McNown.

At the end of last season, alter three different quarterbacks had passed for more than 1,000 yards in his wide-open attack, coordinator Gary Crowton's offense was the flavor of the week.

Nine months later, Crowton's scheme looks rather bland, though it showed some life in the Bears' 27-24 victory Sunday over the Packers Sunday.

It's not all the coordinator's fault. Someone in the organization should have realized that Enis wasn't the right fit at halfback for this scheme. Enis runs too small for a player his size; he doesn't have the speed to reach the corner; and he doesn't play with any desire.

When a team spreads the field with three-, four- and five-receiver sets, as the Bears do, the running back should flourish against the smaller players in nickel and dime defenses, which are designed to stop the pass. That has not happened with the 260-pound Enis, who is usually heavier than all but four of the defenders he is running against.

It's entirely possible that Mark Hatley, vice president of player personnel, let his ego get in the way of severing ties with the first player he selected after taking over in Chicago. Otherwise, Hatley has done a tremendous job of replenishing the club's roster. Enis should have been moved immediately after coach Dick Jauron picked Crowton to run the offense. Instead, Enis has been moved to fullback, where he serves as a constant reminder of a wasted top 10 pick.

Unless James Allen, who has replaced Enis at running back, can become the answer in the backfield, McNown may be replaced, too. Without the balance that was provided by the running game Sunday, McNown was regressing instead of progressing. If his slide resumes, it's time to bench the young quarterback.

Many argue that quarterbacks can't learn from sitting on the bench. That point has some merit. However, it's tough to absorb anything except a defensive end's helmet on your sternum when the other team doesn't respect the threat of a running game.

McNown has a chance to be a very successful leader for this franchise, but he's starting to show signs that losing and the scrutiny that comes with it are getting to him. How else do you explain his outburst in Week 4? After a home loss to Detroit, McNown suggested that fans "not come to games and save all their boos for the TV."

Losing wears on all players, but a coach should be extremely concerned when a confident kid like McNown crumbles. Not being able to look off a free safety in coverage is bad, but not being able to look the other way in the face of fan criticism is worse.

NFLWARROOM.COM The War Room, headed by former NFL scout Gary Horton, analyzes NFL personnel and college prospects. To subscribe to The War Room books, call 1-800-6575684 or visit its website (www.nflwarroom.com). E-mail The War Room at warroom@sportingnews.com.