Chicagoist: Bears Pluck Win From Eagles

Paul Coady

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:17:42 -0600

He could have just run a pattern that would have put himself "conveniently" in the way of the linebacker at the right moment. It would technically be a pick, but they rarely call it. Hines Ward would have set a pick. He would have turned toward the QB as if expecting a pass and put his hip and backside into the linebacker, but Berrian isn't Hines Ward. Ward is one of the canniest receivers out there. Good point, Pantagrapher. Did you guys see the undeserved offensive pass interference on Olson? He sure as hell didn't push off, he got bumped by the Eagles linebacker at it assisted him hith his pattern.

Thunderbelly

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:37:14 -0600

Berrian had his back to the fullback, so he did not know if the ball was caught or not. The way Berrian has been playing this year, his field awareness has been pretty miserable. I am inclined to believe that he just chickened out on the block, not that he had the smarts to not get a pass interference call. It seems to me if it is pass interference that play is designed horribly. Can a receiver not block within 5 yards regardless if the ball has been caught or not?

pantagrapher

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:09:21 -0600

I just figured Berrian was lined up in the slot so he could block—otherwise, it's a critically flawed formation. It's a quick fullback screen; the ball is in the air for a split second. If it's too early to block, roll out a step and then block. I'd be willing to believe he was concerned about being called for pass interference were this not a pattern of behavior—you think Hines Ward would have just stood there?

Paul Coady

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 09:38:52 -0600

When I heard Brian Baldinger make that comment about Berrian on the air yesterday, I knew people would be repeating it today. The pass was in the air and Berrian was not at the line of scrimmage. If he had blocked the linebacker at that point, it would have been offensive pass interference. The only places you can block when the ball is in the air is at the line of scrimmage and the offensive backfield. That being said, I do think Berrian is a little soft, but he's getting criticized for not committing a stupid penalty at the goal line.

Thunderbelly

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 09:26:22 -0600

Berrian is looking like he is pretty soft, and is starting to get a reputation around the league as such. Tough corners are jamming him on the line and he can not shed the jams. He has no elusiveness, just speed, which does you no good if you cant get some open field to run in. He is going to be looking for top receiver money this off season, with his new agent Rosenhaus, and unless he turns this year around he will be laughed at by every GM in the league. Pantagrapher you are so right, he pulled up on that missed block at the goal line. He really looked like a scared little boy out there.

pantagrapher

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 09:12:13 -0600

Nice recovery by the Bears. The announcers said that Berrian whiffed on a block on McKie's red zone run. The truth was worse—Berrian didn't even try to block Omar Gaither. He stood there like an idiot. I like Berrian, but that pissed me off. The team has its back against the wall and he effectively cost them a TD.