Braxton Jones has bucked NFL normalcy at every turn. Rookies aren’t supposed to win the starting left tackle job this early in the season. Much less 5th round picks. Yet like Han Solo, the kid from small Southern Utah doesn’t like being told the odds. He grabbed the job at the end of OTAs and never relinquished it. Even GM Ryan Poles and the coaching staff are surprised by how fast he’s developed. Still, onlookers from the outside have reservations.
They fear his education is looming as the Chicago Bears prepared to host the San Francisco 49ers on opening day. That means Jones will see plenty of Nick Bosa. The star defensive end racked up 15.5 sacks last season, including two against the Bears in their previous meeting. Everybody expects the 49ers coaching staff to get Bosa lined up on Jones as often as possible. The rookie acknowledged the massive challenge the Pro Bowler presents.
“For sure, he is a great player. He’s obviously a vet in this league. Everybody knows who Nick Bosa is, so you got to respect what he does.”
However, Jones didn’t seem overly nervous. While he acknowledges the talent, he also made it clear that Bosa would be wise not to underestimate him.
“I mean, I can’t speak for Nick Bosa, but it’s still the NFL, you gotta play the game, you can’t just attack that.”
Where does this confidence come from?
Part of it is belief in his own ability and preparation. On the other hand, he also reminded everybody he’s been going against another Pro Bowler every day in practice. Robert Quinn has prepared him for anything and everything.
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“That’s the main reason I’ve been able to get comfortable so quickly is just like I’m going up against Robert Quinn and his speed. Him being a vet it has been great for me. I’ve learned a lot. Even after I win a couple of reps or something like that, he finds a way to make sure I’m still on my toes and stuff like that.”
Braxton Jones won’t face anybody better than Bosa.
If he can survive for 60 minutes against the 49ers star, he’ll have confirmation that he can play in the NFL. That sort of confidence boost should only make him better as the season progresses. The Bears genuinely believe they have somebody with great potential in Jones. They knew he had talent from the moment they discovered him. He’s got size, lengths, athleticism, and a sharp head on his shoulders. It was only a question of polishing his technique and fundamentals.
Offensive line coach Chris Morgan seems satisfied with his progress. That is saying something since Morgan’s reputation is one of strict discipline and attention to detail. There is no way he’d put a rookie on Justin Fields’ blindside if he weren’t 100% certain Braxton Jones could handle it. Smart money says Bosa will get his sack at some point on September 11th. He’s just that good. However, he may not have it as easy with Jones as most expect.
Big game for the rook, let’s see how he does. I’m excited for this game.
Its good tape against some good players. There WILL be some growing pains throughout the year, but I believe in Jones. He will mature and hopefully become the anchor on the left side. I really enjoyed him getting to the second level on a couple of those highlights, running game is gonna be our bread and butter again.
Hey Lambert,
How quickly y’all forget. This is what Alyssa Barbieri wrote on Nov 10, 2021 about Larry Borom:
“But Borom has gotten off to an impressive start, where he has only allowed one sack and two pressures in his first two starts and against some of the best in the game in Bosa and Watt. Not bad, rook.”
Braxton Jones is doing great so far. But let him throw at least one block before you measure him for a gold NFL Hall of Fame jacket.
Bear Down, #70!
Now “Chris Morgan” is the mythical coach du jour who will turn other teams’ discarded players (e.g. Leatherwood) into stars, huh? In years past it was Harry Heistand, Rod Marinelli, Ed Donatell, etc. You silly Bears meatball fans lol
Let’s post another article next week after the game