Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) scored a touchdown against Minnesota Vikings cornerback Josh Robinson (21) in the second quarter of their game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
The Bears got back on track with a win against the Vikings on Sunday thanks to execution on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Brandon Marshall was very involved, racking up 7 catches for 90 yards and 2 touchdowns. And the defense was stout throughout the game holding Bridgewater to just 158 yards passing on 18 completions. Let’s take a look at the film to see how Marshall won 1-on-1 match-ups to create explosive plays and how the defense kept the Vikings offense in check.
Brandon Marshall 44 yard TD catch
Game situation: 1st down and 10 at the Vikings 44 yard line (2nd Quarter 2:59 left)
Personnel: 11 (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WRs)
Defense: Combination Man
Offensive scheme: Go-Flat
The Bears spread the field in a 2×2 formation with Cutler in the shotgun and Forte offset to his left. The outside receivers, Marshall and Jeffrey each run Go routes down the field while the inside receivers, Bennett and Wilson run to the Flat. The Vikings bring a blitz from the FS (Smith) and then play man while doubling Marshall and Jeffrey.
However, the SS (Blanton) does not maintain his depth on the play, instead reading Cutler’s eyes as he first looks to Jeffrey’s side. This leaves Marshall 1-on-1 versus the CB (Robinson) and he gains leverage by stacking on top of Robinson down the field.
Cutler scans back to the right and heaves the ball toward the end zone just before Barr delivers a blow to the quarterback. Marshall can now use his body to shield the defender from the ball by keeping Robinson on his back, essentially boxing out the cornerback to secure the touchdown.
