Chicago Bears Week 16 Film Session: Joique Bell Game Winning Touchdown Run
By Chad Wandell
Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) rushes into the end zone for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears surprisingly put up a pretty good fight against the Lions and even were ahead during the fourth quarter. But they failed down the stretch to stop the opponent or generate any offense to take back the lead. Also, the offensive output was masked by the Lions turnovers and dumb mistakes, setting up the Bears in prime scoring positions. Otherwise, this game would not have been close at all down the stretch. Therefore, let’s just take a look at the winning score, Joique Bell’s 17 yard touchdown run, filled with missed tackles and poor angles.
Joique Bell 17 yard TD run
Game situation: 1st down and 10 at the Bears 17 yard line (4rth Quarter 7:25 left)
Personnel: 22 (2 RBs, 2 TEs, 1 WR)
Defense: Cover 1 (4-3 Over)
Offensive scheme: Lead Iso
After a defensive pass interference penalty by Tim Jennings, the Lions are set up right in the red zone with an opportunity to take back the lead. The Lions set up for a ground attack, using two TEs and two RBs with only 1 WR in a reduced split. The Lions decide to attack the weak side of the formation and use the FB (Collins) to lead up through the hole on the isolation play.
The Bears defense is in good position to start the play, McClellin fills outside-in against Collins. This forces Bell to cut back inside to the teeth of the defense where Ferguson, Bostic, and Ratliff should be there to clean up the play. However, none of the defenders can shed their blocks while Bell dances in front of them.
Bell strings the play to the left where the DE, Washington, and CB, Fuller, pursue him in the open field. Washington overruns the pursuit angle and allows Bell a cut back lane inside.
Now Bell is 1-on-1 in the open field with the FS, Vereen. Vereen goes low to cut out Bell’s legs from under him and does not wrap up. Bell keeps his balance and spins out of the tackle to coast into the end zone.