NEWSLETTER
No one ever got anywhere special by setting minimal expectations and clearing a low bar, so it’s refreshing to see Chicago Bears players refuse to run away from lofty aspirations.
Indeed, we’ve already heard from the likes of Matt Nagy, Mitch Trubisky, Anthony Miller, Akiem Hicks, and Prince Amukamara, who have each already stated their desires to have expectation-shattering seasons in 2018. And now, let’s add Bobby Massie to the mix.
“That’s my focus for this year: to be that Pro Bowl right tackle,” Massie said, via the Chicago Sun-Times. “That’s my goal, my personal goal besides what I want for the team. That’s what I’m working for.”
Massie earned a 69.9 grade from Pro Football Focus last season, while Bleacher Report’s NFL1000 scouting team ranked him as the 14th best right tackle in 2017. That’s a surprisingly high ranking considering Massie’s inconsistencies during his first two seasons with the Bears. If you ask me, checking in among the top half of his position group is a good place to be. And I suppose with some improvement and the tutelage of a highly-regarded position coach (hello, Harry Hiestand!), Massie could conceivably crack the top-10 when it comes to right tackles. Wouldn’t that be something!?
It’s also worth noting that this is a contract year for Massie, who’s steadily been on the cusp of an average starting caliber player throughout his professional career. And for what’s worth, there isn’t much competition for him at right tackle this year, as the second-stringer, Rashaad Coward, is an athletically gifted player, but one with very little experience.
In other words, Massie has a clear path to reach the goals he has set for himself this season, so now he has to prove.
Admittedly, it’s difficult to see Massie making the Pro Bowl this season, because each year reveals several quality tackles (on both sides of the formation) who are deserving but don’t even get consideration. But darn it, how can you not rally behind a player who seeks to play at a high level and starts the season trying to speak excellence into existence?
Go get ’em, Bobby!
