Larry Borom started the past week as the #1 right tackle on the Chicago Bears offense. People felt the team was being cautious with veteran Riley Reiff. He was their only experienced tackle, after all. Except nothing changed. Borom remained in that spot through the second preseason outing against the Seattle Seahawks. That led to speculation on whether the second-year blocker might be pushing for the starting job. Head coach Matt Eberflus didn’t dance around the subject.
While he stated the offensive line remains a work-in-progress, he confirmed that as of right now, Borom is the starter. Whether it stays that way depends on him. It is hard to argue with the decision. Across two appearances in the preseason, the young tackle hasn’t allowed a sack, hit, or pressure on the quarterback. He didn’t do this against second or third-rate reserves. He did it against guys like Frank Clark, George Karlaftis, and Darrell Taylor. A Pro Bowler, a 1st round pick, and a guy that had seven sacks last season.
Matt Eberflus is true to his word. The best players play.
He said from the start. It doesn’t matter how much experience you have. The Bears are trying to get their five best blockers on the field. That is why rookie Braxton Jones is the starting left tackle and why Teven Jenkins, a right tackle up until a week ago, is suddenly in the mix at right guard. Reiff may have seniority, but the truth is he hasn’t played in the preseason due to health issues. Borom has played every snap allotted to him and played well.
The Bears promised wide open competition and stayed true to that. If you do enough to earn a job, the job is yours. It is a refreshing change of pace from the Matt Nagy era. He had a bad habit of leaning too much on more experienced players rather than giving young guys a fair chance. This approach will send a great message about the Bears and Matt Eberflus. If you come to Chicago, the opportunities you get are real.
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One must feel good for Borom. He was overlooked as a 5th round pick. The previous coaching staff didn’t help him much, what with trying to move him to left tackle and wanting him at a higher weight. He is leaner now and much improved from last season. The job is likely his if he can deliver one more solid game.
