The Chicago Bears offensive line was widely called one of the worst in the NFL leading up to the 2022 season. Experts were convinced it was going to be terrible. They had no talent and no direction. So imagine the surprise on people’s faces when the Bears rushed for over 460 yards in the past two weeks. They have the 2nd-best running game in the league, and it’s not because their backs are superstars. Most of the success belongs to excellent blocking.
A.Q. Shipley played in the NFL for over a decade. He started 72 games and played in 110. He finished his career winning a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay in 2020. The man has a pretty good idea of what great line plays is supposed to look like. He went on the Pat McAfee Show to discuss some top moments from Week 3. He came away stunned at how impressive the Bears looked on the ground. They didn’t run through the Houston Texans. They ran over them.
The Chicago Bears aren’t a finesse group.
That is evident from their inconsistent pass protection. Larry Borom and Sam Mustipher remain weak points in that regard. This group is more of a throwback to the 2000s. What they lack in precision, they make up for in pure brutality. It is a collection of big and strong dudes like Teven Jenkins, Cody Whitehair, and Braxton Jones. Lucas Patrick also brings extra nastiness to the mix. This is a brand of football the team hasn’t played in years. They never had that mentality under Matt Nagy.
It is the identity that GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus wanted. They envisioned a line built with violence, aggression, and mobility in mind. It appears this group has embraced the identity shift. Credit must go to offensive line coach Chris Morgan for quickly whipping them into shape. Nobody can say the blocking is perfect, but they’ve found something they do well and are taking full advantage of it.
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One can only hope Justin Fields can make use of their decent-at-times pass protection. Maybe then they’ll start getting more respect.
Knowledgeable fans having been saying this for two seasons, now: the Bears’ OL is better than they have been given credit for.
Braxton Jones has been a very good addition by Ryan Poles. And Ryan Pace’s draft selections (Cody, Teven and Larry) have been even better.
As for Sam Mustipher (a Ryan Pace UDFA addition) he has improved as predicted, under improved coaching.
Whether Lucas Patrick (also a former UDFA, now in his sixth season) is an improvement, at center, over the younger Mustipher?
Only time will tell.
Try to pay attention, Erik — and just maybe you’ll learn something.
@Gator Joe.. Great comment!! Get Patrick at Center and let Jenkins stay all game at Guard. Quit with this swapping nonsense. If Jenkins is obviously looking good in games, then what are we even talking about. His pass blocking will get better and better as he plays. And the run blocking is awesome already. If the passing game starts clicking and gets even to near average, this offense will be hard to stop.
When Lucas Patrick can finally play center, they will look even better!
Too bad that Wednesday practice is more important than Sunday.
Ive been sayn this all along.They are DEVELOPING into a 90s era COWBOYS OL.Finally after 30 years we have some NASTY young OTs.This is the EXACT reason why weve ruined 45 qbs is because for whatever reason BEARS ORG simply forgot what an OT is and how important they are.Just think the 85 bears had 2 1st rnd OTs in KEITH VAN HORNE and JIMBO COVERT.Since then weve had pussies(except JASON PETERS 1 year).This OL is YOUNG but just watch what they develop into.I havnt been this excited since sweetness days.These guys are PUNISHERS and cant wait to watch our… Read more »