Question:
The offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears professional football team is preparing a game plan for the upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers. A review of game tapes from previous Bears–Packers games provides data on the yardage gained for run plays and pass plays. Data show that when the Bears run against the Packers’ run defense, the Bears gain an average of 2 yards. However, when the Bears run against the Packers’ pass defense, the Bears gain an average of 6 yards. A similar analysis of pass plays reveals that if the Bears pass against the Packers’ run defense, the Bears gain an average of 11 yards. However, if the Bears pass against the Packers’ pass defense, the Bears average a loss of 1 yard. This loss, or negative gain of –1, includes the lost yardage due to quarterback sacks and interceptions. Develop a payoff table that shows the Bears’ average yardage gain for each combination of the Bears’ offensive strategy to run or pass and the Packers’ strategy of using a run defense or a pass defense. What is the optimal strategy for the Chicago Bears during the upcoming game against the Green Bay Packers? What is the expected value of this strategy?