The Chicago Bears offensive line is in a serious situation. This group has become a shadow of the unit they were last year. A big part of that is a matter of healthy and poorer execution. More than that though, the group just doesn’t seem to have a spark right now. They’re playing much too passive, failing to set the tone for games. They’re on pace to allow eight more sacks than last year (41) and have managed to get 3.4 yards per carry on the ground for the running backs. That is bad.
A big centerpiece of these struggles is right guard Kyle Long. Watching him this year has been hard. This isn’t the player of four years ago that could dominate some of the best in football. This is like watching a pitcher who’s lost his fastball. Week after week he struggles, getting blown off the ball by guys who nobody would consider the best of the best. There comes a point where a team has to stop waiting for the big name to rediscover his old form. To quietly admit that his body has succumbed to years of injuries.
The Bears need adjustments up front and finding a new right guard would be a great way to start. Could it be backup Ted Larsen? Not with the current knee injury he’s dealing with. What about Rashaad Coward who seemed to do alright in emergency duty after Larsen went down? A possibility but not an ideal one. This would leave an option from the outside. Typically this time of year the landscape is barren of any quality blockers.
However, the Bears could be in luck as there is one name buried in the discard pile.
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Stefen Wisniewski could help the Chicago Bears offensive line
Most casual fans won’t know the name Stefen Wisniewski. So here’s a quick recap. He was a 2nd round pick of the Oakland Raiders in 2011. He started four seasons with them before moving on to Jacksonville in 2015 where he started at center for a year. After that, he became a primary backup and spot starter in Philadelphia in 2016 where he would eventually help them win the Super Bowl a year later. He’s been known for his toughness, physicality, nastiness, and good movement.
Nobody is saying Wisniewski is a savior. However, the 30-year old has a long track record of being a stabilizing force in tough situations. He also has deep experience playing in the type of system the Bears run thanks to his time in Philadelphia. He hasn’t played yet this year so he should be healthy and fresh. Not to mention cheap. This is likely as good an option as the team is going to find if they wish to bring in reinforcements. Something to consider during the bye week.
