Germain Ifedi played well in his Chicago Bears debut
The Chicago Bears focused a lot on improving the run game this offseason. A new offensive line coach, run game coordinator and right guard were all apart of the mix in trying to get the run game off of the ground.
We noticed that the Bears committed to the run much more in 2020 than they did early in 2019. However, beyond that, the Bears switched their style as well, moving from an inside, power running team, to an outside blocking team.
This means getting your lineman on the move a bit more, and it involves more cut backs and quick hits from the running backs.
While it was only one game, that plan worked well, and the Bears run game was as strong as any in the NFL. A lot of this comes from the scheme change, creating these lanes, but also the lineman making clean blocks.
Most Expected Rushing Yards per Attempt
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 17, 2020
Team Offense, Week 1
1. Bears (5.6)
2. Titans (5.0)
3. Jaguars (4.7)
4. Eagles (4.7)
5. Steelers (4.7)
These offenses created the most opportunity for rushers at the moment of handoff according to our new Expected Rushing Yards model.
Ifedi stepped in for Rashaad Coward, who was a major negative in the run game last season. Ifedi was not elite, but the change from Coward to Ifedi was able to open up a lot more of the Bears playbook.
Take a look at the block below by Ifedi. He is pulling right to left and is tasked with getting to the second level open a run for Tarik Cohen. Watch how smooth he jumps out to the second level and covers the linebacker. This was key in breaking this run.
The play below is a perfect example of the outside zone. The entire line is on the move going from left to right. The running back follows his line, but reads the defense, and looks for cut back lane. He finds the lane, and shoots up the gut as the linebacker have to change direction.
Still, watch Ifedi again. He takes on Nick Williams, 97, and drives him to the sideline.
Trusting Ifedi to pull, move into space, and block down to the sideline are things that they were not comfortable trusting Coward to do. The change to Ifedi has not only opened the playbook, but changed it all together. With a new scheme, and more movement on the line, it could be possible for the run game to continue its success.