The Chicago Bears offense was depleted beyond recognition by the end of the game last week in Tennessee. They were already down three starters and two backup offensive linemen. Then for good measure, they lost David Montgomery to a concussion. It was hard for people to know if anything would be better for a pivotal Monday Night Football showdown with the Minnesota Vikings.
Thankfully with hours to go before game time, fans were treated to some most welcome news. Reinforcements are on the way. The team announced that center Cody Whitehair would make his return after missing the past two weeks due to a calf strain and contracting COVID-19. Joining him would be a new but familiar face in veteran Eric Kush. He was signed to the practice squad this past week and was activated for the game.
Last but not least is running back Lamar Miller, filling the Montgomery void.
So a ton of experience is joining the fray right when the Bears need it. The big question is where each piece will fit. A returning Jason Spriggs should take over at right tackle again. That leaves both center and left guard. Odds are Whitehair will resume his old spot in the middle. So does that mean Kush takes over at left guard or is his arrival on such short notice the team would rather go with somebody like Alex Bars for this game?
That will be answered when the team takes the field. Offensive line coach Juan Castillo came away impressed with Bars last week. The former undrafted free agent was thrust into the center spot despite having never played it in his life. All things considered, he held his own quite well under tough circumstances. They might feel comfortable with him at guard, especially between two vets like Charles Leno and Whitehair.
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In advance of tonight’s game, the #Bears activated OL Cody Whitehair from the reserve/COVID list and put QB Tyler Bray, RB Lamar Miller, and OL Eric Kush on the gameday roster.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 16, 2020
His night replacing James Daniels didn't start well but Alex Bars did have some decent moments.
Shows good feet and anchor here, sliding to stand up Vita Vea, helping buy Foles just enough time to take a deep shot to Ginn that draws DPI.#Bears pic.twitter.com/L4onsnRWU5
— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) October 10, 2020
Chicago Bears have a lot going on in this game
Not only is their offensive line undergoing such a massive shuffle, so is their hierarchy on the coaching staff. Matt Nagy made the monumental decision this past week to relinquish play-calling duties. Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor would take over moving forward. He has the most experience of anybody on the staff with two years each in Miami and Cincinnati. Former players have lauded him for his attention to detail and focus on getting his playmakers in space.
He isn’t being handed an easy situation. This offense has looked disjointed and lacking energy for months. His job will be to get them pointed in the right direction. Better execution and fewer mistakes. It shouldn’t be about lighting up the stat sheets. It needs to be about controlling the football and putting around 20 points on the board. If they can do that, the defense is good enough to get them some wins.
Minnesota could end up being the make-or-break point.
They’re hot on a two-game win streak and threatening to get back into the NFC wild card picture. A win at Soldier Field would not only catapult them forward but could put the death knell in the Chicago Bears’ season. Nagy and everybody else senses it. They can’t go into the bye at 5-5 with the Packers looming on the other side and expect to still make a run at the playoffs.