Why the “Bombs Away” Philosophy of Matt Nagy Is the Right One

Matt Nagy didn’t mince words during his early meetings with the media when he became head coach. When reporters asked him about how Mitch Trubisky was seen throwing the ball deep a lot in practice instead of checking down, the Chicago Bears head coach never flinched. He stated that was never going to stop. This offense was about attacking down the field.

He was true to his word. No quarterback had more completions of 50 yards or more through the air than Trubisky in 2018. The team tied for 8th-most in the NFL with 11 completions of 40 yards or more. Given it was the first year of the system, that’s some pretty impressive accomplishment. It also served as one of the key factors in their success as a team.

People may assume that Nagy’s approach is merely a philosophy built around his mindset. However, it’s important to remember that the man is a student of history too. He knows a lot about football, including how previous teams found success. One correlation many of them seem to have, particularly in the modern era?

They liked to throw the ball down the field.

Matt Nagy understands the value of the deep shot

Late Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis was always the biggest proponent of the vertical passing game. He believed it was a vital part of making a football team successful. He likened it to “having the bomb and being willing to drop it.” Rather than take what the defense gives, the offense will take what it wants.

When it works, it can be highly demoralizing to an opponent.

History also validates this philosophy even to this day. Since 2003, there have been nine champions who finished in the top 10 in yards per pass attempt. That out of 16 total. Those that didn’t reach so high were often compensated by having an excellent defense to lean on.

• 2018 – New England Patriots (7th)
• 2017 – Philadelphia Eagles (11th)
• 2016 – New England Patriots (3rd)
• 2015 – Denver Broncos (25th)
• 2014 – New England Patriots (16th)
• 2013 – Seattle Seahawks (4th)
• 2012 – Baltimore Ravens (13th)
• 2011 – New York Giants (4th)
• 2010 – Green Bay Packers (2nd)
• 2009 – New Orleans Saints (2nd)
• 2008 – Pittsburgh Steelers (14th)
• 2007 – New York Giants (21st)
• 2006 – Indianapolis Colts (3rd)
• 2005 – Pittsburgh Steelers (1st)
• 2004 – New England Patriots (9th)
• 2003 – New England Patriots (15th)

It’s worth noting that the only championship the Bears have won in the past 40 years followed this doctrine. Jim McMahon ranked 4th in yards per attempt in 1985. Something that is often forgotten about that great team. For all their love of running the football, opponents feared the deep strikes to Willie Gault and Dennis McKinnon just as much.

Nagy wants to embrace that style of play again and believes it will benefit the Bears once executed properly.