The Chicago Bears offensive line hasn’t shown any signs of progress after a rough 2021 season. They’re on track to allow 68 sacks this season, living up to the many predictions they were the worst unit in the NFL. However, not everything about the group is bad. Teven Jenkins is a bright spot. The former 2nd round pick went from benched as a tackle to their right guard in the course of a few weeks. He’s allowed only two pressures on the quarterback through four games and is their third-highest graded run blocker.
Fans have difficulty understanding why the Bears didn’t make him the regular starter from the beginning. Instead, they rotated him with veteran Lucas Patrick despite evidence Jenkins was the superior blocker. There were whispers about unsatisfactory practice habits. That doesn’t seem to matter on gameday. Another person that is tired of the Bears holding him back is Kyle Long. The former Pro Bowler sees many problems with the interior offensive line, but he is a big-time fan of Jenkins. He said as much on 670 The Score.
“I really enjoy Teven Jenkins. When he’s in the ballgame, that offensive line has an identity. More so than when he’s out of it. But you need to shore up the inside of that pocket.”
Here’s a Tevin Jenkins cut up. The guy is consistently physical and aggressive. He’s good in the run and pass game. These are just a few plays from the NYG game. Very bright future for Jenkins. #DaBears #Bears #Chicago pic.twitter.com/7uuLokUK0F
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) October 4, 2022
Teven Jenkins brings exactly what the new regime wants.
GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus said they want more violence up front. They want tone-setters. Jenkins has lived up to that demand every time he steps on the field. Nobody delivers more jolting shots, and nobody finishes harder than him. He isn’t perfect. There are areas of his game he needs to clean up. That is hardly surprising. The guy never played guard in college. So for him to be the best performer on that line through the first month says a lot.
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There is a strong likelihood that Teven Jenkins may be the only surviving member of that starting five within the following calendar year. It’s not difficult to imagine Sam Mustipher, Larry Borom, and Cody Whitehair all gone. Braxton Jones is a rookie with potential, but he must show more improvement in the coming weeks to be guaranteed another year. Long is right. If there is one player the Bears are going to build things around, it will be Jenkins.
