Tice To Employ New Offense Based On Matchups
(CBS) Though his background is with the offensive line, don't expect new offensive coordinator Mike Tice to rely strictly on the run.
In an interview with ChicagoBears.com, Tice describe the offense he plans to run -- one that focuses on matchups, looking to exploit the weaknesses of opposing defenses.
"First of all, (the offense will) utilize the talents of our players and define matchups each week, whether that's for or against," Tice told former Bear Tom Thayer on ChicagoBears.com. "Sometimes we're going to have matchups [where] we have to protect certain players. But I think there are going to be some match-ups each week that we have to make sure we take advantage of.
"Secondly, it's going to be what (defenses) give us. I was able to run that style of offense in Minnesota. I learned a lot of it from coach Joe Gibbs. With a good number count, let's run it. With a bad number count, we've got to be able to throw it."
As expected, a focal point in the new Tice-run offense will be protecting Jay Cutler.
"We're going to make sure that Jay Cutler is comfortable in the pocket," Tice said. "We're going to make sure that he's able to set his feet. We're going to make sure that we use a different variety of launch points for him and not always have him right behind the center"
Tice also said he plans to review what made Cutler so successful in Denver, and tailor the offense to those things.
