In The Trenches: Bears OL Was Better, Now Coaches Need To Help Them Out

So, that was a little bit better. The Bears run game still wasn’t there, and I think there are some reasons for that beyond just not the best blocking up front. The good news is, pass protection was significantly improved. It was by no means perfect, but Caleb Williams had, for the most part, significantly cleaner pockets to throw from and it clearly made a difference.

Darnell Wright started to look a little bit more like the guy we saw and loved last year. Coleman Shelton got blown up significantly fewer times (though it did still happen). Picking up line stunts was significantly better. Yes, a lot of this can probably be attributed to going up against a pass rush that wasn’t as good as Weeks 1 or 2, but progress was still made there.

As for the run game, I’d like to see Shane Waldron (or run-game coordinator/OL coach Chris Morgan) mix in more gap scheme plays. I’ve broken down quite a few inside and outside zone runs, and while those plays are certainly effective at times, they require a little bit more finesse and quick decision-making for the offensive lineman. Gap scheme plays (power, counter, etc) are much more straightforward. Play side blocks down, hard and the back side has a pulling lineman or two to kick out an end and lead up the hole.

Gap schemes also require a lot less reading of the blocks which I think is good for D’Andre Swift. Don’t worry about slow playing the zone and finding the hole. Instead, on a run such as power, you know you’re following your double team and letting your lead blocker lead up the hole.

Either way, the lack of a run game against one of the NFL’s worst run defenses isn’t acceptable. And I truly do believe a lot of this leads back to coaching and scheme. Last year, pretty much the same group of offensive linemen didn’t have many issues getting a push in the run game, and all of a sudden this year it’s just gone? I don’t buy that the talent dropoff has happened across the board that quickly.

Oh, and as for the 1st and Goal series that resulted in four consecutive stops of the Bears that concluded with a speed option from the goal line, I’ll break that down play by play in its own post tomorrow.

Anyway, let’s break down a few plays from this week.

Bears Week 3 O-Line Film Breakdown

Bears OL Braxton Jones & RB D'Andre Swift
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Tyquan Lewis (94) works to bring down Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift (4) on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, during a game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Play #1

Darnell Wright executed perfectly in this play. He’s got no one over him, and a defensive lineman lined up on his outside shoulder. The offensive line appears to be zone blocking to the left. Wright can’t let the DL cross his face left, but otherwise, his job is to stay on his track to the left side and work his way up to the second level. Since he has no immediate threat on the first level, he’s allowed to give help to the tight end. He does that perfectly with a punch with his right arm, and he does so without turning and he keeps his shoulders square on his track.

After helping Marcedes Lewis, Wright works his way up to the second level and finishes the play with a pancake of the linebacker. The pad level could have been a little lower once getting up there, but he did a great job covering up the LB and giving Roschon Johnson a lane.

Cole Kmet, on the other hand, covers his man up but he doesn’t; attack that inside shoulder of No. 57 quite enough. Because he can’t get that shoulder turned, No. 57 can slide into the hole and slow Roschon Johnson down. It’s not an awful job by Kmet, but it helps outline the little details that separate a good play from being a potentially great one. Yes, the safety is there and makes the play, but if that’s a true one-on-one between Roschon Johnson and the safety, all he has to do is make a man miss. Good, not great play up front.

Play #2

I was originally going to pin this play on Matt Pryor not coming off the double team with Darnell Wright in time, but upon further review, this play seems to be on Coleman Shelton and Teven Jenkins. First, they don’t do a good job with their double team at all. They initially come together like they’re supposed to – hip to hip – but almost immediately Teven Jenkins is leaving the double team looking for the linebacker who hasn’t moved yet.

Shelton and Jenkins are likely double-teaming the DL up to No. 44. If No. 44 doesn’t flow and he stays where he is, there’s no need to leave for the backer. Drive the DT back toward him and make that backer make a choice, and then you come off.

Always take care of the first level before worrying about the second level. Jenkins and Shelton have a great initial pop on the DT. If he stays hip-to-hip with Shelton on the double team, those guys likely get movement up to the second level and create a lane for the back in the B gap off Jenkins’ left hip.

As mentioned, initially when watching this play, I felt like it was Matt Pryor who was supposed to come off for No. 44. However, given where his eyes go, it looks like he and Wright are doubling to #40.

Shelton and Jenkins had leverage on the DT, but because Jenkins left almost immediately, they got no movement, and a lane was created for the LB.

Play #3

Here’s an example of Matt Pryor struggling in space. Pryor has a big body that can move people on the line of scrimmage. Let him be more of a mauler as opposed to a finesse blocker in space. When the Bears went under center and let their guys up front get run-heavy, things did look a little better.

This play is a standard outside zone that I feel like we’ve covered a bunch so far. Pryor’s steps getting up to the backer are fine. He does a good job of getting to the second level, but once he’s there he has to hit SOMEONE. Now, I understand his confusion. It’s outside zone left, so in his pre-snap read he’s thinking it’s quite likely that the LB lineup up over him will end up being his man because he’ll flow that way with the running back.

However, once he gets up to the second level and the LB that was originally over him hasn’t come onto his track, Pryor has to pick up the defender that is on his track. That becomes the most dangerous threat. That backer is still on his zone track left. Hit what’s on your track.

It’s a little bit of a lose-lose situation for Pryor there, as both LBs are in a position to make the play. However, one is in the middle of the box, and one isn’t. Take the immediate threat. Or, if not, take someone. Anyone. If you’re going to make a mistake as an OL, do it at 100 mph and by hitting the wrong guy, not by hitting no one. At least by hitting the wrong guy, you’re still giving the play a chance. Hitting no one helps no one.

Caleb Williams Bears
Sep 22, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) reaches for the snap during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Play #4

Hey, we picked up a basic stunt! Matt Pryor takes a little bit of an aggressive pass set to try and get on his DT who’s lined up a little wider than normal. However, instead of turning his shoulders and burying himself in that DT, he bumps the DT down aggressively and stays in position to pick up the loop man. If a defensive tackle is trying that hard to get outside on a pass rush, there’s no need to chase him or bury yourself. Pryor played this perfectly.

Darnell Wright also did an outstanding job. After his initial steps, he realized his end wasn’t coming at him, so he immediately looked inside knowing a stunt was likely on. He takes it over, helps bump Pryor off, Pryor picks up the looper and we have a clean pocket. Progress!

Play #5

Hard to say with 100 percent certainty exactly what the assignments are here, but this appears to be inside zone to the left. With the way Cole Kmet steps off the snap with an aggressive inside set, it appears he is responsible for the DE and driving him outside away from the play or what some call a “white” block (though, that block has different names. Some might call it a hinge.)

Essentially, his job is to set aggressively inside, then white out the DE from the play. If that’s the case, then Gerald Everett really has no need to help Kmet. If anything, he’s hurting Kmet’s White block by getting a hand on from the outside as Kmet is trying to drive him outside.

That could potentially be a double team to the linebacker, but given how far ahead Everett is lined up compared to Kmet, that creates a terrible angle for a double team, and since Everett isn’t down in a three-point stance it gives him terrible leverage as well. It would seem his job is to go up to No. 44 at the second level. When going up to the second level, you’re always coached to work your way up to where the defender will be, not where they are pre-snap. Everett here doesn’t take a flat or aggressive enough angle to cut off No. 44, and that allows No. 44 to shoot the gap and make the play.

On the positive side, Darnell Wright and Matt Pryor did an excellent job on their double team. They got a great initial push, Wright ended up burying him, and Pryor stayed driving hip-to-hip with Wright while also keeping his left side free to be able to come off for the linebacker at the second level. Teven Jenkins and Coleman Shelton do a nice job on there’s too. Good initial push, hip to hip, Jenkins doesn’t bury himself, and no one needs to leave early since no backer presents themself.

Play #6

Here’s a zone play that should have worked, but D’Andre Swift just has to see the hole and hit it. The one knock on this play is that Marcedes Lews is late off the snap (likely due to running silent counts) so he’s a little late getting to his backer which allows that backer to hang in the hole. However, you can’t tell me that right here there isn’t a hole to be hit:

Beras RB D'Andre Swift

D’Andre Swift though manages to bounce directly into Braxton Jones’ back instead of through the hole. Granted it’s not a hole you can drive a truck through, but there’s a crack there to be hit that Swift is getting paid pretty good money to hit. Teven Jenkins does a really nice job getting a push on the defensive tackle and using that momentum to vault him into the LB. So this play, other than Lews’ angle, is there. It still goes for a couple of yards, but it’s another example of a play that was close to being broken for a big gain that ultimately fell short.

Wrapping Things Up

Ultimately, while Sunday’s performance was nowhere good enough, there were some things to build on. The Bears can still get firmer in pass protection, but that did take a step forward this week. In the run game, I think mixing in some gap scheme plays that allow the Bears to play a little more downhill on the line as opposed to blocking in space might be helpful as well.

I don’t really think a lot of these problems come down to the Bears not physically being able to get the job done upfront (with the exception of Coleman Shelton who does get bullied at times). As I’ve said for a few weeks now, there are just a lot of technique and fundamental issues that need to get cleaned up. Those things shouldn’t be needing this much attention in Week 4 of the NFL season. These are issues that should have been hammered home in camp and in the preseason. It’s troubling that these mental mistakes and technique issues are still popping up, but at the same time, that means the mistakes are indeed correctable.

Need to see more progress next week from the offensive line, D’Andre Swift, and the coaching staff.

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Chicago Blackhawks Kyle Davidson

NHL Insider Talks Blackhawks Trade Buzz, Rantanen Trade Fallout, Future Contract Strategy

On Thursday morning, Elliotte Friedman dropped a loaded written version of his "32 Thoughts" and there are some good Blackhawks-centric nuggets in there. Here's what got my attention: Blackhawks trade buzz I noted in my bullets this morning that there were 14 teams represented in the press box scouting the Blackhawks-Oilers game. Friedman notes a light schedule and the looming two-week break meant there was plenty of attention in Chicago...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
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Feb 06, 2025
Jason Dickinson Chicago Blackhawks

Dickinson Concern, More Bedard Criticism, Scouts Galore, 49 for Lardis, and Other Blackhawks Bullets

The Blackhawks lost a hard fought game to the Oilers in overtime last night. They showed a lot of mettle, battling back from a two-goal deficit in the third period to tie the game late. But a bad penalty in overtime cost them the second point in the standings. The result of the game last night isn't much of a concern if we're honest. What is a major concern is...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
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Feb 06, 2025
Aidan Thompson DU University of Denver

Blackhawks College Prospects: Ranked Matchups, Beanpot Championship on Tap

We're now into February, and Blackhawks prospects continue to put up solid numbers across college hockey. There are some really good ranked matchups this weekend, with Denver and Providence both playing important conference matchups. And, Monday night, Boston University will face Boston College in a hyped Beanpot championship game. Here's this weekend's schedule for the Blackhawks' prospects in action. And, again, make sure you vote every day for one of...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
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Feb 05, 2025
Arvid Soderblom Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks 3, Oilers 4 (OT) โ€” Three Stars, Key Takeaways

The good news when a game starts at almost 9 PM local is the first period flew by and neither team scored. With a little under eight minutes left in the first period, this ridiculous sequence by Arvid Sรถderblom and Connor Murphy kept the game tied at zeroes. Oh my Arvid Soderblom, what a saveMurphy helps out too with a stop of his own pic.twitter.com/Wu11sUNd07— BHF (@BlackhawksFocus) February 6, 2025...

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Chicago Blackhawks
Tab Bamford
โ€ข
Feb 05, 2025
Colton Dach Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks Assign Levshunov AND Dach to Rockford, Activate Smith

Before Wednesday's game, the Blackhawks announced a few roster moves. The team formally activated veteran forward Craig Smith from IR. To make room on the roster, they needed to assign at least one player to Rockford. The Blackhawks sent both Artyom Levshunov and Colton Dach to the IceHogs. We knew Levshunov was headed back to Rockford without playing a game when he joined the Blackhawks earlier this week; the intent...

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Matt is from the Chicagoland area and has been working in Chicago sports since 2015 with stops at WGN Radio, the Chicago Blackhawks, Stadium, and NBC Sports Chicago prior to landing at Betsperts. Matt covers just about everything for Betsperts and Bleacher Nation but focuses on the NHL and college football.

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Chicago Bears 2024 Exit Interviews: Caleb Williams

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Chicago Bears 2024 Exit Interviews: Tremaine Edmunds

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Super Bowl LIX: Here’s How the Bleacher Nation Staff Sees Things Playing Out In New Orleans

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Around the NFL: Annual Awards, Hall of Fame Class of 2025, Remembering McCaskey, More

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Saquon Confirms Bears Rumors, Doors Opening For Cunningham? and Other Wednesday Bullets

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Fairleigh Dickinson vs. Wagner: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

NEC action on Saturday will see the the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights (9-15, 5-4 NEC) host the Wagner Seahawks (12-11, 4-6 NEC) at Bogota Savings Bank Center, beginning at 1:00 PM ET.Fairleigh Dickinson lost its most recent game to Cent. Conn....

How to Watch Lipscomb Bisons vs. Queens Royals: Live Stream or on TV

The Queens Royals (15-9, 8-3 ASUN) will try to extend a three-game winning streak when they host the Lipscomb Bisons (16-8, 8-3 ASUN) on February 8, 2025 at Curry Arena.In its most recent game, Lipscomb beat West Georgia on Wednesday,...

Troy vs. Miami (OH): Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Miami (OH) RedHawks (17-5) will try to extend a three-game winning streak when they host the Troy Trojans (15-8) on February 8, 2025 at Millett Hall. The contest airs on ESPN+.Troy lost its previous game to James Madison, 64-61,...

How to Watch Michigan Wolverines vs. Indiana Hoosiers: Live Stream or on TV

The Michigan Wolverines (17-5, 9-2 Big Ten) will attempt to continue a three-game winning streak when they visit the Indiana Hoosiers (14-9, 5-7 Big Ten) on February 8, 2025 at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.In its previous game, Michigan beat Oregon...

Lafayette vs. Navy: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Lafayette Leopards (9-15, 4-7 Patriot League) aim to stop a three-game home losing streak when they host the Navy Midshipmen (8-16, 5-6 Patriot League) on February 8, 2025.Lafayette lost its most recent game to Loyola (MD), 71-58, on Wednesday....

Notre Dame vs. Virginia Tech: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

ACC action on Saturday will see the the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-12, 4-7 ACC) host the Virginia Tech Hokies (10-13, 5-7 ACC) at Purcell Pavilion, tipping off at 1:00 PM ET.Notre Dame dropped its previous game to Florida State,...

Wisconsin vs. Iowa: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

Big Ten action features the No. 21 Wisconsin Badgers (18-5, 8-4 Big Ten) on the road against the Iowa Hawkeyes (13-9, 4-7 Big Ten) on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET.In its previous game, Wisconsin topped Indiana on...

Vanderbilt vs. Texas: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Vanderbilt Commodores (16-6, 4-5 SEC) will look to build on a three-game home winning streak when they host the Texas Longhorns (15-8, 4-6 SEC) on February 8, 2025 at Memorial Gymnasium.In its most recent game, Vanderbilt lost to Florida...

Youngstown State vs. Detroit Mercy: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

Horizon League play features the Youngstown State Penguins (15-10, 9-5 Horizon League) on the road against the Detroit Mercy Titans (8-17, 4-10 Horizon League) on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM ET.In its most recent game, Youngstown State beat...

VMI vs. Citadel: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Citadel Bulldogs (5-17, 0-11 SoCon) will try to end a 14-game losing streak when they visit the VMI Keydets (11-13, 5-6 SoCon) on February 8, 2025 at Cameron Hall. The game airs on ESPN+.In its previous game, VMI fell...

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