The Chicago Bears did a lot of work this off-season on upgrading the offense. We now know this was done in anticipation of Caleb Williams’ arrival via the #1 overall pick. GM Ryan Poles didn’t play it cheap, either. He traded for wide receiver Keenan Allen, signed running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett, and topped it off by selecting wide receiver Rome Odunze with the 9th overall pick. Many believe this is the best supporting cast a #1 pick has ever had going into his first year. If not, it is right near the top.
One concern has lingered for many people: They aren’t sure about the offensive line. While they improved somewhat last season, they still allowed 50 sacks. Yet the Bears chose to bring four of the five starters from that unit back for this year. Only the center will be different. Veterans Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton will compete for it. There are guards Nate Davis and Teven Jenkins, both of whom can’t seem to stay healthy. Left tackle Braxton Jones has improved considerably but still has lingering questions about his anchor in pass protection. Only Darnell Wright feels like a true fixture after his strong rookie season.
Not everybody is sweating it, though. Brandon Thorn, an offensive line expert of Trench Warfare, stated on Twitter (X) that this group is far better than they’re getting credit for.
Caleb Williams should be fine if he plays the right way.
Part of the problem last year was that Justin Fields continued to struggle with the same issues that had plagued him since he got to the NFL. If his first read wasn’t there, he’d be too slow getting to the next one. This led to him holding the ball too long. Inevitably, the protection would break down, forcing him to run or take a sack. The line would get blamed for that. People have wondered how much of the problem last season was them and how much it was Fields. Williams can help answer that.
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Experts have insisted for months that he is capable of playing the more conventional style. He can stand in the pocket, read the coverage, and make quick decisions. If that is the case, Caleb Williams should instantly make life easier for the offensive line. Doing so might finally allow this group to flourish. There were always signs they had the capability to be really good. Go watch the performance against Washington and their loaded defensive front last year. Thorn is correct. If health prevails, this can be a strong blocking unit.
The Bears set Swift up beautifully. Forte made a lot of money with our lousy WRs pulling coverage downfield, while he sat down underneath for Jay Cutty to dump it off to him. He wasn’t explosive or powerful. He didn’t make people miss, and he only got what was given to him. Our WR/TE group will pull defenders away, and Swift does a good job sitting down in the underneath too. He’s a one cut, shifty runner. As long as he stays healthy, and collects the downfield blocking, he’s going to eat defenses up, especially in the colder months. We’re… Read more »
No wonder politicians all the way to the top can get away with lies and media are able to create plausible but weak arguments to convince readers of a likely false reality. Good job then Torn.
Now Mr. Poles, build up that wall! If you desire Caleb to play his best without any offensive weaknesses, then fortify that offensive line. People in the know and those who want to prepare for the worst-case scenarios ask you to get real.
PS: I gave pluses to the two commenters before me, for good reasons, so not referring, really, to you them.
What a weak article simply playing up to the faithful optimists here. What are Thorn’s credentials if any? Anyone who is not at least on the fence about the OL is, indeed, weak himself.
The key has always been health and the QB playing fast. Every great QB has played quicker than we saw Fields play. I loved JF, but as I have learned more I became more aware of the traits required to succeed I realized how hard it is for an offensive line to be able to hold together. Teams blitz less when the ball will be out quickly because they realize that the blitzer will likely be grabbing at thin air, the ball is out. So they drop into coverage. OL play is much easier and the flow is consistent. All… Read more »