One of the reasons the Chicago Bears likely felt so confident in literally replacing their entire quarterback roster was their offensive line. Collectively it allowed just 28 sacks in 2016. An impressive number considered they had to protect three different passes over the course of 16 games. By far the biggest reason for this success were guards Kyle Long and Josh Sitton.
It was considered a minor coup when Chicago was able to sign Sitton so late into free agency last year after the Green Bay Packers inexplicably cut him. It’s not every day a team can land a Pro Bowler like that. Most believed that move gave the Bears one of the best interior blocking trios in the NFL along with rookie center Cody Whitehair.
The only problem people ended up having with the situation? It didn’t last long enough.
Kyle Long and Josh Sitton were dominant together
Injuries were a persistent problem for the pair last year. Long missed eight games with a nasty ankle problem. Sitton missed four with various ailments as well. It was an all too brief showing of how good they could be together. According to Pro Football Focus, the possibilities are potentially great.
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The Bears are reportedly swapping Kyle Long to LG and Josh Sitton to RG along their O-line.
Whoever lines up at QB should be in good hands. pic.twitter.com/vbjALgoHMA
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 23, 2017
Allowing just one hit on the quarterback in six games? That is pretty impressive stuff right there. Especially considering both men were banged up for a good part of that stretch. Imagine how much better they might be if and when they can both get on the field healthy. Long is still rehabbing his surgically repaired ankle. He should be ready for the reason. Sitton by all accounts is a full go for training camp.
Experts believe good interior blocking is a big key to success for veteran quarterback Mike Glennon. If he wants to fulfill his dream to become a long-term NFL starter then having those two in front of him may be the key.
