NEWSLETTER
We’re still assessing last night’s debacle from the offensive line, and we’ll have a whole lot more analysis on it over the next few days. However, briefly looking ahead to next week’s matchup with Indy, it looks like the Bears’ most concerning position group might be catching a break.
This morning, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Colts All-Pro defensive tackle DeForrest Buckner is considered a “long shot” for Sunday’s game against the Bears. Buckner suffered an ankle sprain in Indy’s Week 2 loss to the Malik Willis-led Packers. While the sprain isn’t believed to be overly severe, it does seem like it’s a real threat to keep him out (or potentially limit him) Sunday.
Bears O-Line Might Catch A Much-Needed Break
Again, I’ll dive a little more into Sunday night’s offensive line catastrophe when the All-22 comes out, but it doesn’t take an offensive line analyst to know how bad last night went. The offensive line has problems. The two biggest are within the interior with center Coleman Shelton and right guard Nate Davis. It’s a matchup that DeForrest Buckner would have given the Bears major concerns. So Buckner not being able to go Sunday would be quite the break for Chicago.
For as bad as the offensive line has been, they’ve begun the season with two very difficult matchups. Tennessee’s interior DL is an outstanding unit, and Houston’s edge rushers are one of the top pairs in the NFL today.
With or without Buckner in the lineup next week, the line play has to start showing signs of progress. Indy’s D-Line is a step back from what Chicago has seen so far this season, so there needs to be a step or two forward taken. I’d prefer them to be able to work through those issues while avoiding the All-Pro DT, but even if he’s in the lineup and slowed a little bit, there has to be progress made.
The Colts allowed 237 yards on the ground in the first half alone in their loss to Green Bay on Sunday. And if that DL is without its top player, there’s no reason the Bears’ offensive line shouldn’t be able to get some movement.
They need to be more consistent in run blocking. They have to be able to pick up basic stunts in pass protection. The communication must improve. All of these things are easier to work through when you don’t have to worry about a player like Buckner, so hopefully the Bears do indeed catch that break on Sunday.
