The Chicago Bears need something positive to happen on the offensive line. Desperately. So far the group just hasn’t been equal to the task of helping this offense be any better than it was a year ago. If that weren’t bad enough, injuries have begun to strike. James Daniels is lost for the year to a torn pectoral. Now Cody Whitehair won’t play this Sunday due to a calf issue. This has thrust the relatively unknown Sam Mustipher into the spotlight.
The story of this young man is a fun one. A native of Maryland, he was a four-star recruit out of high school. Several premium colleges wanted him including Ohio State, Clemson, and Alabama. In the end, he decided to go with Notre Dame, a program that was building a reputation as an offensive lineman factory during that period in time.
It didn’t take him long to make an impact.
He was the starter by his junior year and would go on to play 37-straight for the Irish. During that time he went through all of 2017 without giving up a sack and then finished as a finalist for the Rimington Award in 2018, given out to the best centers in college football. This raises the obvious question. Why wasn’t he drafted?
The Bears signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2019. The general belief is Mustipher has everything required in terms of toughness, technique, intelligence, and leadership. What he lacked were size and power. Two things a lot of teams feel are essential in the NFL. Is he ready for this opportunity?
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When asked during his introductory press conference on Friday, Mustipher showcased exactly why he is so easy to root for.
Sam Mustipher sounds like a football junky
A lot of football players don’t really get into the game until high school. Clearly, Mustipher was one of those who were indoctrinated at a young age, playing PeeWee leagues. He’s been through the tough practices a lot longer than most guys. Few have worked and fought harder to reach this point than he has. It’s a huge opportunity. One he is beyond excited for.
It will be a challenge to be sure. New Orleans may not have an elite defense, but they have an underrated defensive front. The defensive tackle tandem of Sheldon Rankins and David Onyemata have combined for 12 pressures, five QB hits, and three sacks this season. The Saints also boast the 4th-best run defense in the NFL.
Mustipher has his work cut out for him.
He’ll need to bring his best stuff in order for the Bears to make something happen offensively. Nick Foles has been under siege in recent weeks and his play has suffered as a result. Asking an untested kick to man the most difficult position on an offensive line against a talented, well-coached opponent is never easy.
Given his background though, don’t expect Mustipher to be unprepared. He’s put in lots of time and has plenty of experience against top competition from back in college. He will be ready. Whether that’s enough remains to be seen.