The Chicago Bears, Mike Martz and Jeff Backus

I have long held the opinion that Mike Martz's offense sets up the offensive line to fail (see below). I don't think this is a revolutionary thought but it serves to explain my point later in this article.

I predict that the Chicago Bears will rank in the top 3 in the league for most sacks allowed not because they have an awful line but because of Mike Martz's offense. I also believe that left tackle Chris Williams will be benched at some point this year because he will be blamed for a bunch of sacks that are really the fault of the system he is in. I also believe the even if Lovie Smith retains his job next year the either Mike Martz or Mike Tice will not.

This bring me to my real point. As a Detroit Lions fan I get tired of hearing every year about how we need to replace Jeff Backus. While I am a Backus supporter I think he is at best, in the middle of the pack for left tackles. Jeff Backus, however, is not the reason the Lions have been so bad over the last decade. I think he was always thought of as solid until the arrival of Mike Martz and that Martz's system ruined the perception of Backus's ability. At the end of last season Jim Schwartz indicated that Backus should have been considered for the pro bowl. Many in the media found this laughable. I dare say that Jim Schwartz has a much better idea of how Jeff Backus preformed last year than any member of the media and give that Schwartz has not shown a propensity for blowing smoke up peoples ass, I will give him the benefit of the doubt on this one. If you really want to drink the Lions Kool aid then you will believe that having Rob Sims at left guard will lead to an even better season for Jeff Backus. My guess is that Backus would actually have to make a pro bowl for people to stop ranking left tackle as the Lions top need in the off season. Do I think Backus is destined for a Pro Bowl appearance in the near future - No. Do I think he is better than most people give him credit for - Yes.