Why Not Just Leave Leno There
Well, that is certainly an option but it has some drawbacks. The Bears only gave up 28 sacks last season, so the numbers may not indicate to everyone that there’s an immediate need at the position. Here are the drawbacks.
First, Leno is BARELY average as we’ve discussed. He was also a seventh round pick with multiple weaknesses laid out in his draft profile and most of them are still true today. You can look up the detailed information for yourself because there’s only one real stat you have to see to make the point clear. Leno was graded out at 48.6 for run blocking and that was among the lowest of any starting tackle in the entire league. The grading key from Pro Football Focus generously lists that grade as “poor” but it should really say “fucking pathetic.”
Second, Leno only has one more year on his contract. You really didn’t think Chicago was going to get by paying their left tackle $600k for too much longer did you? If the Bears roll him out as the starter again this year, and he performs better than expected, Pace will be faced with a huge decision whether to give him a new contract or not. You better believe Leno is going to be looking for starter money if he’s the starter for the Bears again this year. So what do you do then? If you extend him you’re now cementing your future with a less-than-average player at one of the most important positions in the league. If you choose not to pay him, you will be stuck with no plan at one of the most important positions in the league.
Third, one of the biggest offensive assets Chicago has right now is running back Jordan Howard. After finishing second in the league in rushing with roughly only 250 carries, imagine how much better he could have done without having to avoid the right defensive end on every single play? Leno was a TURRIBLE run blocker in 2016 while the interior of the offensive line excelled.
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It’s clear Leno is a problem. If you choose to keep him then you are simply avoiding the inevitable.
So, what’s the answer to fixing the problem? You’re really going to be surprised how simple it is.
