The situation was critical. Only 1:14 remained on the clock. The Chicago Bears had just allowed a sack on Caleb Williams to make it 2nd and 12 from Washington’s 33-yard line. They were right at the edge of field goal range for kicker Jake Moody. Failure to get any more yards would set up a risky kick. They had to get closer. Head coach Ben Johnson decided to gamble. Rather than put the ball in Caleb Williams’ hands, he chose to run a toss play to D’Andre Swift. It was here that an unlikely hero emerged: Darnell Wright.
Toss plays are risky in today’s NFL due to the speed of defenses. The offensive tackle must be able to get out into space and get a seal on the running lane. Wright went above and beyond his assignment on this play. He gets out on the edge and first gives old nemesis Preston Smith a violent shove. This throws off the defensive end’s pursuit angle. Then, for good measure, the right tackle picks off cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, driving him out of the running lane and allowing D’Andre Swift to pick up 15 yards.
It was a masterclass in athleticism, awareness, and intelligence. Keep in mind, Wright did all of it in a span of six seconds.
Darnell Wright reminded everybody why he’s a star.
Even before that night in Washington, it had become evident that the big right tackle had become a really good player for the Bears. This game was the best performance of his career. No penalties. Dominated in the running game, was immovable in pass protection, and delivered the most critical block of the night. It’s not every day you get to point these things out. Ben Johnson said he wanted to put the game in the hands of the offensive line. Darnell Wright took that to heart. To become a good team, you need your 1st round picks to excel. He was the first of Ryan Poles’ tenure, and that selection is proving to be a strong one, despite all the Jalen Carter lovers out there.
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