Chicago Bears

Connected Franchise Mode Strategy CFM Team Rating: 82 Offense: 91 Defense: 75 Offensive Scheme: West Coast Defensive Scheme: Base 3-4 Strengths: WR, LOLB, TE, HB Weaknesses: RT, FS, DT 2014 Team Rankings 4th NFC North (5-11-0) Passing Offense: 15th Rushing Offense: 27th Passing Defense: 30th Rushing Defense: 17th 2014 team leaders Passing: Jay Cutler: 3,812 Rushing: Matt Forte: 1,038 Receiving: Alshon Jeffery: 1,133 Tackles: Ryan Mundy: 103 Sacks: Willie Young: 10 Ints: Kyle Fuller: 4 Key Additions LB Pernell McPhee WR Eddie Royal S Antrel Rolle CB Alan Ball CB Tracy Porter Key Rookies WR Kevin White DT Eddie Goldman C Hroniss Grasu Owner: Ted Phillips Legacy: 300 Coach: John Fox Level: 18 Legacy: 2,500 Offensive scheme: West Coast Defensive scheme: Base 3-4

Offensive Scouting Report

• QB Jay Cutler will enjoy the addition of rookie WR Kevin White to replace veteran WR Brandon Marshall. Cutler won’t be able to change his style at this point in his career, but if you can keep his confidence and deep accuracy up, he has the arm to make all the throws.
• HB Matt Forte has slowed down a bit but still has a versatile skill set that can take the pressure off the offense. Get him the ball in the passing game, because he is one of the best receivers coming out of the backfield.
• WR Alshon Jeffery will have to take over the lead role in WR meetings and set an example for young talent like Kevin White. WR Eddie Royal is a nice addition to the offense, not just for the slot position but for punt returner too.

Defensive Scouting Report

• The addition of LB Pernell McPhee will make a solid front of pass rushers in the right situation. You should send a combination of Jared Allen, Jeremiah Ratliff, Willie Young, and McPhee at the passer on 3rd and long.
• The Bears have quickly overhauled their CBs and now have what it takes to play a tough zone scheme. Put bigger guys like Alan Ball and Kyle Fuller on the outside with Tim Jennings sliding into the slot with his elite play recognition.
• The Bears’ scheme has received an overhaul, and now it is time to see who fits where. Make sure to give veterans like Jared Allen a shot; they still have elite skill, like a 90 Power Moves rating, to get after the passer.

SCHEDULE

Key Players

• There isn’t a CB in the league who can consistently get his hand on Jeffery at the line.
• The red zone is a great place to use Jeffery’s elite Spectacular Catch rating—throw him a high point pass

• McPhee is an excellent defender off the edge with solid strength in the run game.
• Expect McPhee to quickly become the best rusher on the Bears’ defense. He can also force some turnovers with his hit power.

• White will have to gain his experience on the field as there is no time to waste after the departure of veteran WR Brandon Marshall.
• Start with some simple drags using White’s speed to gain him confidence, then target him downfield later in the season.

• Perry has the speed to get to the edge, but raise his Elusiveness rating so he can break some tackles when he gets there.
• Give Perry a shot to make the roster. He may never replace Matt Forte, but his speed brings the Bears a nice change of pace.

OFFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

DEFENSIVE DEPTH CHART

SPECIAL TEAMS

Best Offensive Plays

BEST RUN: I-Form Flex Twins — HB Power O

Setup:

• This run is still our favorite in the playbook due to the tough alignment issues the defense must consider.
• With the new play action and ability to roll out, this play has taken on a whole new level of greatness.
• Mix in some FB Dive plays during short-yardage situations; they develop quickly.

Advanced Setup:

• Playmaker the run left (optional).

Running Plays

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

BEST PASS: Gun Trio — Inside Cross

Setup/Reads:

• The corner route to the TE is excellent, but it takes a few extra seconds to develop since it gets so deep downfield.
• The left side of the field can be a bit crowded, so flip this play to the open side of the field to give your receivers room to operate.
• To make this truly the best play in the playbook, learn to throw a high pass to Alshon Jeffery on the deep post, which is a back breaker route. Hitting this twice per game could mean the difference between a win and a loss.

Advanced Setup:

• Curl the slot WR on the left.
• Slant the TE against man coverage.

Passing Plays

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Best Defensive Plays

BEST RUN DEFENSE: 3-4 Odd — Will Sam 3

Setup:

• The Bears’ head coaching change means a change in defensive scheme. Get used to the 3-4, which can be just as stout as the 4-3 against the run.
• Don’t forget to show blitz if your opponent is trying to rush up the middle. Consider calling press if you want to show an aggressive look.

Player to Control:

• The SS up in the box

Run Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ

BEST PASS DEFENSE: Big Dime 2-3-6 Will — Mike Edge 3 Seam

Setup:

• This play won’t get you a sack every time, but the QB will be forced to make a quicker decision than he would against regular old Cover 3.
• Consider hot routing one of the blitzing defenders to man coverage, especially against a TE.
• If your opponent starts targeting the flat, calling the Cover 4 Drop could lead to some turnovers.

Player to Control:

• The hook zone defender on the side opposite the blitz

Pass Defense

MAN COVERAGE ZONE COVERAGE MAN BLITZ ZONE BLITZ