Harry Hiestand’s Return Should Help Young Bears Lineman Conquer Learning Curves and Other Bullets

May 26, 2018

When you put it this way, you can see why fantasy players avoided Bears like it was nobody’s business:

From a fantasy perspective, the Bears didn't have much to offer last year, while the Lions and Vikings did a lot more. pic.twitter.com/qfcwn4BD8A
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) May 24, 2018

The Bears’ offensive success will start at the line of scrimmage with an improved offensive line, and Harry Hiestand’s return is at the crux of change. Hiestand’s second stint in Chicago comes after a successful stint in college, highlighted by his last stop at Notre Dame where the Fighting Irish churned out starting caliber lineman left and right. So why leave a great situation? Hiestand has an explanation:

Harry Hiestand, on why the #Bears were the right spot for him to jump back to the NFL after a successful run at Notre Dame: pic.twitter.com/YFZXaoyKVT
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) May 24, 2018

Over at NBC Sports Chicago, JJ Stankevitz offers up additional details on why the timing was right for Hiestand’s return to the NFL. Hiestand could have stayed at Notre Dame and coaching up college football’s elite offensive lineman for as long as he wanted, but that the Bears job intrigued him enough to entice him back into the NFL could say a lot about where he thinks the Bears are going right now.

One of Hiestand’s most important projects is straightening out the interior of the offensive line. Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times writes Cody Whitehair is happy to be sticking around at center, which should allow him to continue to build a rapport with quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Continuity wasn’t a thing the Bears could bank on in 2017, not with as many injuries as they had on the offensive line. The hope is that some better luck in the health department and an infusion of youth will help matters. Logically, it checks out. But we’re a long way from determining whether the Bears’ offseason plan for the group tasked with protecting Trubisky and clearing running room for Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen was a good one.

The idea of Whitehair moving back to guard won’t leave me, even though it seems like he is entrenched at center right now. Frankly, how long Whitehair stays in the middle is still to be determined. The Bears drafted James Daniels with the intent of moving him to left guard, a position he played sparingly while at Iowa. And as fate would have it, Whitehair was drafted as a guard who ultimately moved to center because of the Bears’ free agent signing of Josh Sitton.

Chicago isn’t the only team in the division trying to re-work its offensive line. The Lions is working out first-round pick Frank Ragnow at left guard during OTAs. Much like the Bears did with Daniels, Detroit drafted a top center prospect who had the potential to move to guard. For what it’s worth, Ragnow is saying all the right things and that he would be happy with wherever the Lions play him in 2018.

Learning curves are just a part of life in OTAs. So I’m not surprised to see Patrick Mahomes have a rough practice in Kansas City. Mahomes isn’t concerned about mistakes he makes at this point in the offseason, telling ESPN: “If you want to make mistakes, you make them now. You don’t want to make those mistakes in the game.” Mahomes makes a good point. Miscues in May are teaching points for the future, and it’s not like mistakes he makes now will cost him his job. Besides, there is nothing wrong with a little trial by fire.

Perspective is good. Remember, we just discussed how the Bears’ defense is ahead of the offense right now. That is to be expected, not just in Chicago, but pretty much everywhere throughout the NFL.

Though, maybe Jimmy Garoppolo is the exception to the rule. A current 49ers teammate who spent time with Jimmy G. Football in New England told SFGate.com’s Eric Branch that the young signal caller was shredding the Patriots defense in practices last year. Marsh split time with the Patriots and 49ers last season, joining San Francisco after being claimed off waivers in November. The linebacker/defensive end hybrid spent the first three years of his career with Seattle.

Good luck with that:

Throwing out the first pitch at the @Cubs game today. Mindset is, and I’m fine with either out come, make #SCTop10 or #SCNotTop10 #2SeamFastball
— Trey Burton (@TreyBurton8) May 26, 2018

Happy Birthday to a pair of Bears:

https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1000376062633742337

Earlier in the week, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that Cowboys receiver Terrance Williams was arrested for public intoxication after they found his Lamborghini abandoned after striking a light pole. TMZ has video of the arrest, in which he blames friend Kendall Wright (who was the Bears’ leading receiver last season) and said he was the driver. Wright and Williams were teammates at Baylor University from 2008-11.

written by

Luis C. Medina

Luis C. Medina, who you can find on Twitter at lcm1986, has been covering the Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation since 2017. Since then, he has written about 3 head coaches, 5 play-callers, and 11 starting quarterbacks. Previously, Luis wrote about the Cubs and MLB at BN (2015-16) and worked in the Chicago Tribune sports department (2011-16). He also co-hosted a Cubs postgame show, Outside the Ivy, in 2019.

more bears news

Chicago Bears

Bears Watchability, Identifying “Must Win” Games, One Idea For NFL’s International Plan, and Other Bears Bullets

My social calendar unexpectedly filling up in May has been a pleasant surprise. As is projected 80-degree weather on a Saturday afternoon. Cheers, friends. Sure, the Chicago Bears 2024 strength of schedule doesn't look all too daunting. And it sure...

Luis C. Medina

May 18, 2024

Chicago Bears

Heads Up! Tyrique Stevenson is Poised For a Breakout

A tip of the cap to the Chicago Bears social media team, which is doing a heckuva job keeping fans engaged in what has turned into a fun offseason. Their latest Q&A endeavor asks Bears players who they would choose...

Luis C. Medina

May 17, 2024

Chicago Bears

It’s Here And It’s Perfect: EA Sports College Football 25 Trailer Released

Today EA Sports released the trailer for College Football 25 and it's absolutely perfect. The graphics look amazing, Chris Fowler sets the stage, each team shown has its own unique entrance and tradition, and in just two short months it...

Matt Rooney

May 17, 2024

Chicago Bears

Around the NFL: Get Ready for a Hefty Serving of Aaron Rodgers, How Much Will it Cost to Watch Every NFL Game in 2024? More

The NFL schedule makers felt they were entitled to a re-do when it comes to cramming Aaron Rodgers down our throats, and they took full advantage of it. Plus, how much will it cost to watch every NFL game in...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 17, 2024

Chicago Bears

Bears Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington to Attend NFL’s Coaching Accelerator Program

Chicago Bears Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington will take part in the upcoming NFL Coach Accelerator Program that will take place at the league meetings taking place in Nashville next week. This isn't Washington's first rodeo, as the former Buffalo Bills...

Luis C. Medina

May 17, 2024

Chicago Bears

HBD Coach Flus, Andy Dalton’s Side Hustle, College Football’s Big July Date, and Other Bears Bullets

It's a Friday. We finally made it. I can't believe I get to see your face. Making it to a warm-weather Friday in spring has me feeling better than I do on other days of the week. And it's got...

Luis C. Medina

May 17, 2024

bears schedule release video Caleb Williams Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears 2024 Schedule is HERE (Dates, Times, More)

Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Cole Kmet, Rome Odunze, Kyler Gordon, and Teven Jenkins are among the Chicago Bears players who took starring roles in the team's 2024 schedule release video drop. Here it is in all of its glory: The...

Luis C. Medina

May 15, 2024

Chicago Bears

Austin Booker is the Third Bears Draft Pick to Sign Their Rookie Deal

Another one is in the books for the Chicago Bears 2024 NFL Draft class as the team announced that Austin Booker has signed his rookie deal. This is what it looked like when Booker put pen to paper at Halas...

Luis C. Medina

May 16, 2024

Chicago Bears

NFL Schedule-makers Gifted Caleb Williams and the Bears a Soft Landing

If Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears get off to a good start this season, someone at Halas Hall should send a gift basket of Italian beef, tavern-style pizza, hot dogs, sport pepper Malört, and other Chicago delicacies to the...

Luis C. Medina

May 16, 2024

Chicago Bears

My Favorite 2024 NFL Schedule Release Videos

Schedule release day in the NFL is one of my favorite non-game days of the year. NFL social media teams work hard to create entertaining videos revealing their teams' schedules for the upcoming season. Here are my favorite 2024 NFL...

Patrick K. Flowers

May 16, 2024

How to Watch

Washington Mystics vs. Seattle Storm: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Washington Mystics (0-2) go up against the Seattle Storm (0-2) on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 3:00 PM ET. The matchup airs on Monumental, FOX13+, and Prime Video.Watch the WNBA all season long on Fubo!How to Watch Mystics vs....

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

Picks

Mystics vs Storm Prediction: Picks, Live Odds & Moneyline – May 19

The Washington Mystics (0-2) take on the Seattle Storm (0-2) on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 3:00 PM ET. The matchup airs on Monumental, FOX13+, and Prime Video.Mystics vs. Storm Prediction & OddsFavorite: Mystics (-)Spread Prediction: Total Prediction: UnderMoneyline Prediction:...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Dodgers vs. Reds: Live Stream or on TV

The Los Angeles Dodgers (30-17), led by Mookie Betts, host Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds (19-26) on Sunday at 4:10 PM ET.The article below will give you everything you need to know to watch Los Angeles play...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Tigers: Live Stream or on TV

Jordan Montgomery will take the mound for the Arizona Diamondbacks (21-24) when they host starter Matt Manning and the Detroit Tigers (22-22) on Sunday, with first pitch at 4:10 PM ET.Keep reading to find out how to watch the Arizona-Detroit...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Red Sox vs. Cardinals: Live Stream or on TV

Nick Pivetta will take the ball for the Boston Red Sox (22-23) when they visit starter Matthew Liberatore and the St. Louis Cardinals (19-25) on Sunday, with first pitch at 1:05 PM ET and the Cardinals aiming for a series...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

Royals vs. Athletics: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Sunday, looking for a series sweep, Bobby Witt Jr. and the Kansas City Royals (27-19) face the Oakland Athletics (19-28), with first pitch scheduled for 2:10 PM ET at Kauffman Stadium.Find out how to watch the Kansas City-Oakland matchup...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Astros vs. Brewers: Live Stream or on TV

Kyle Tucker and the Houston Astros (20-25) host William Contreras and the Milwaukee Brewers (26-18) at 2:10 PM ET on Sunday.Find out how to watch the Houston-Milwaukee matchup below.When is Astros vs. Brewers and when does it start?This matchup between...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

How to Watch Rangers vs. Angels: Live Stream or on TV

Michael Lorenzen will take the ball for the Texas Rangers (23-23) when they host starter Jose Soriano and the Los Angeles Angels (17-28) on Sunday, with first pitch at 2:35 PM ET and the Angels going for a series sweep.If...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

Phillies vs. Nationals: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Aaron Nola will take the ball for the Philadelphia Phillies (32-14) when they host starter Trevor Williams and the Washington Nationals (20-23) on Sunday, with first pitch at 1:35 PM ET.See how to watch the Philadelphia-Washington matchup below.When is Phillies...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

How to Watch

Orioles vs. Mariners: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

On Sunday, Corbin Burnes will take the mound for the Baltimore Orioles (28-15) versus George Kirby and the Seattle Mariners (25-21), with first pitch scheduled for 1:35 PM ET at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.If you're intending to watch this...

Data Skrive

May 18, 2024

Harry Hiestand’s Return Should Help Young Bears Lineman Conquer Learning Curves and Other Bullets

Read More

more bears news

Latest News

more bears news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular