August 17, 2007
How will defense be different under Babich?
Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of e-mail questions from fans every day on ChicagoBears.com.
Larry:
How does Bob Babich’s defensive mindset compare to Ron Rivera’s? I know the Bears are still going to play the cover-two, but what are some subtle changes we can expect to see?
Mike
Chicago
Mike: It’s too early to say for sure how the Bears will be different on defense this year. As you said, there probably will only be a few subtle changes given that Lovie Smith’s system will remain the same. It seemed to me that Bob Babich was more aggressive in his calls in the preseason opener, but conclusions can’t be drawn after one preseason game. I do expect the Bears to blitz more this season, but that may be due more to the new safety pairing of Mike Brown and Adam Archuleta—both of whom have excelled in that aspect of the game—than to Babich replacing Ron Rivera. I think it will also depend on the opponent and quarterback the Bears are facing in a given week. There's no doubt there will be some weeks when the Bears opt to blitz more often than others.
Larry:
Radio communication between the quarterback and quarterbacks coach cuts out with 15 seconds left on the play clock. What happens if the offense is in the hurry up and gets a play off with the play clock still showing 23 seconds? Can the quarterback still communicate during a play after the ball is snapped?
Crowls
West Haven, Connecticut
Crowls: The radio communication between the quarterback and quarterbacks coach is not cut off until 15 seconds remain on the play clock, even if the ball is snapped. So theoretically, the two could continue to talk during the course of a play given the scenario you mentioned. In talking to Rex Grossman about the situation, he said that a coach has never spoken to him during the course of a play. When I asked whether it would be helpful if a coach screamed to warn him that a defender was about to hit him from the blindside, he just laughed and said that it would probably be more distracting than anything.
Larry:
I read somewhere that instant replay would be in HD-TV for officials to review on the field. Are there any other changes to the replay system?
Robert B.
Albion, Indiana
Robert: Yes, there are other changes. In addition to the new HD systems that have been installed—which are said to be five times sharper than the old system—the screens have been increased from 20 to 26 inches and officials no longer have to view them from a set distance. (They can stand closer or farther away if they choose.) The maximum time the referee has to review the replay also has been reduced from 90 to 60 seconds.
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How will defense be different under Babich? - Chicago Bears
How will defense be different under Babich? Q&A
How will defense be different under Babich? Q&A
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