It looks like the Chicago Bears offensive line is finally coming together through two preseason games. Lucas Patrick will be the starting center, while Cody Whitehair remains at left guard. Longtime veteran Riley Reiff appears locked in at right tackle while 5th round rookie Braxton Jones, against all odds, has claimed left tackle. Yet somehow, that might not end up being the biggest twist of the story.
The biggest question mark going into training camp on the offensive line was right guard. James Daniels was gone, and there were no clear replacements on the roster. That seemed to change when veteran Michael Schofield signed with the team. He seemed like the obvious choice. That is until he struggled in his preseason debut against Kansas City. It left the coaches unsatisfied, at least leaving the door open for somebody else to challenge him.
Enter Teven Jenkins. Yes, the former 2nd round pick that many people swore was the next great tackle for the Bears. The same guy that got demoted in minicamps and missed the first week of training camp with a mysterious injury. There were rumors of maturity issues and the possibility he might be traded. Then not long after his return, the coaches moved him to right guard. Now according to Jeff Hughes of Da Bears Blog, he has emerged as the favorite to win the job.
Early word inside the building is Jenkins more than looked the part last night. OL is coming together all of a sudden.
— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) August 20, 2022
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Chicago Bears saw what they needed to see in Seattle.
It wasn’t a perfect showing, but it was more than good enough. Watching Jenkins at right guard, you’d never think he only started practicing there for the first time since college less than a week ago. He showed his power and maneuverability as a run blocker. Even better, he showcased competent technique and good awareness in pass protection. He has plenty of work to do, but for him to look that capable already is beyond impressive.
From the beginning, it was made clear by the Chicago Bears coaching staff what their goal was. It’s to put the five best blockers on the field, regardless of position. Experience does not matter. Performance does. If Jenkins is already at the same level as Schofield, then logic dictates he should significantly improve with more game experience. Starting him would be a short-term risk with substantial long-term potential.
He’d have two capable veterans around him in Patrick and Reiff. It is an ideal situation for growth. If this pans out, it will go down as one of the wildest stories in recent Bears history.
