NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bears are getting quarterback Justin Fields back in the saddle for their Week 11 game against the Detroit Lions. But that isn’t the only shakeup happening in Chicago. There is movement in the trenches — and I’m not talking about false starts or illegal procedures.
At least, I sure hope I won’t be talking about those things when the dust settles.
During his Wednesday media availability at Halas Hall, Bears Head Coach Matt Eberflus told reporters (video) that changes are coming to the offensive line. Here they are in a quick, easily digestible format:
Got everything? Good. Let’s discuss.
Bears make changes along the offensive line
I’ve felt as if one of the reasons Tyson Bagent was successful in avoiding sacks was because the offensive line had begun gaining some stability. Sure, some of it had to do with Bagent making quick decisions with the football. But I can’t ignore the importance oof left tackle Braxton Jones returning from IR and Teven Jenkins’ smooth transition back to the right guard position he was starring in during the 2022 season. Hopefully, the return of a healthy Nate Davis doesn’t mess with the mojo in Chicago.
As for Cody Whitehair, it is jarring to realize that he is left on the outside looking in on the rest of the starting offensive linemen. That might take a minute to fully sink in if you’re someone who has watched the entirety of Whitehair’s career. So I’ll allow for that reality check to fully come through. Are you ready to move on? Cool. I’ve got you.
To be clear, it’s not as if Whitehair’s play didn’t warrant a benching. The 31-year-old offensive lineman hasn’t been the same player he was when he was at the peak of his powers earlier in his career. Whitehair’s snapping problems are well-documented. And over at Pro Football Focus, Whitehair’s 44.7 overall grade ranks 79th among 82 offensive guards who played enough snaps to qualify for inclusion on the leaderboard. Ouch. So while Lucas Patrick’s 48.9 grade checks in at 34th among 38 centers at PFF, this Bears brass is rolling with him and not Whitehair. Double ouch.
Cody Whitehair is OUT, but who’s in for the Bears OL?
As it stands, this is what Chicago’s starting offensive line will look like in front of Justin Fields in Week 11 — and perhaps beyond:
At first blush, this group looks OK. Good, even. I’ve liked what Darnell Wright and Teven Jenkins did on the right side of the line and hope Jenkins and Braxton Jones can replicate on the right side. And while I’m wary of a drop-off with Jenkins leaving to return to the other side of the line, Davis was looking like he was starting to find a groove before the high-ankle sprain injury took him out of the lineup.
In the end, my main takeaway is that Chicago might be a center away from having an offensive line that properly protects a quarterback as well as it can clear holes for ball carriers coming out of the backfield. Chicago’s run-blocking has been stellar the last two seasons. It’s just that the pass protection has been inconsistent (at best). In other words, put center at the top of your offseason wishlist while it’s on your mind. Or hope that Ja’Tyre Carter (who was supposed to get summertime snaps at center before he was thrust into filling in for Nate Davis at right guard during training camp and the preseason) can find his way into the mix for a late-season showcase.
Moving forward, we’ll be watching the offensive line’s development with great interest. Here’s hoping Fields and the Bears can make the most of some newfound stability.
