Injuries struck the Chicago Bears offensive line hard throughout the past month. Teven Jenkins, Lucas Patrick, Nate Davis, and Darnell Wright all missed practices and preseason games. Once backup center Doug Kramer also got hurt, GM Ryan Poles knew he had to find some help. He scoured the market for possible solutions. His scouts pinpointed veteran blocker Dan Feeney as a viable target. The guy had loads of starting experience, was still under 30, and had the athleticism necessary to fit their system. It was also clear his chances of sticking on the Miami Dolphins roster were thin.
So the Bears sent them a 6th round pick for the guy. Feeney has plenty of versatility, having played all three interior positions. Defensive tackle Justin Jones would know. He was teammates with Feeney in Los Angeles for a few years. Bears media asked him what the team is getting in the new blocker. True to form, Jones was honest.
“He’s a great guy. Loves football. Loves beer.”
You know that last part has to be 100% true if it’s one of the first things that came to mind for Jones. Cole Kmet soon backed him up. The tight end had a fateful encounter with Feeney at a golf outing a few years ago.
“I can definitely confirm the latter.”
Dan Feeney is definitely in the right city.
Chicago is considered one of the best beer towns in the continental United States. It’s rather interesting his three primary stops in the NFL have been Los Angeles, New York, and now Chicago. One must wonder if he’s quietly trying to conduct the most subtle bar crawl of all time. Jokes aside, it isn’t a surprise the Bears targeted him. Aside from his experience and scheme fit, he also has the personality Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus look for. He loves football and plays with intensity. The guy can be downright mean on Sundays.
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This isn’t the long-term savior people wanted. Dan Feeney is an emergency solution. He should be an immediate presence in the wide-zone running game and will help on screens thanks to his range. However, the Bears would be wise not to leave him one-on-one in straight passing drops too often. He doesn’t have the anchor or the hand technique to survive like that for long periods. Ideally, he will be the primary backup to Jenkins, Davis, and Cody Whitehair.
