The Chicago Bears have navigated 2019 with a series of decisions that boggle the mind at times. None have been odder than what they’ve done along the offensive line. The biggest was their decision to switch James Daniels and Cody Whitehair between left guard and center. It was hoped the two were ending up at their more natural positions. That venture was abandoned after just eight games as Daniels appeared overmatched by the responsibilities at center.
This has overshadowed another questionable series of moves regarding one player in particular. That of rookie Alex Bars. The Bears signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame in April. Many viewed him as one of the best players in the country to not get drafted. He then proceeded to have a strong showing in the preseason. Enough to where many thought he’d earned a roster spot. Then the team cut him and shifted him to the practice squad.
They finally did elevate him to the main roster, but only after Kyle Long went on Injured Reserve and the New England Patriots tried signing him. Now with the season over and one game left to play, Long’s replacement Rashaad Coward was declared inactive with a knee injury. This makes for the ideal opportunity for the coaches to see Bars in action, right?
Not according to insider Brad Biggs.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Chicago Bears still have their priorities wrong
This is nothing personal against Ted Larsen. It’s just that playing him serves the Bears no purpose. He is a veteran who has played a long time in the NFL. People know what he brings to the table and it’s the quality play of a solid backup who can start if needed. They don’t know who Bars is. There is a general belief that he has the capability of being a starting guard in the league but the only way to see if that’s possible is to play him.
This game is a prime opportunity to get valuable tape on him in live conditions. Sure it’s against an opponent that will be resting a lot of their starters. Still, this allows them to evaluate the rookie to see if their investment in him deserves more direct attention moving forward. Instead it seems head coach Matt Nagy will prioritize winning a pointless game for the sake of making the record look a little less disappointing.
