Something isn’t right about the Chicago Bears offense. While everybody expected some growing pains as they transitioned to a new scheme, no one thought it would look this bad. That is especially true up front. Not only have the Bears allowed nine sacks in two games, but they also have the 28th-ranked rushing attack. Everything starts up front, where the offensive line has committed an egregious number of mental mistakes. There are penalties, missed stunts, failure to account for blitzes, etc. Nobody is immune from the disaster. That includes Teven Jenkins.
The Bears’ left guard was one of their most dependable blockers last season. Yet even he has struggled with constant mistakes. After a tough loss in Houston, Jenkins was asked why the breakdowns kept occurring. His answer suggested something deeper is going on, possibly within the Bears’ coaching staff.
Jenkins is basically saying the line is going with the protections that are called. Intentional or not, he pointed the finger at one of two people: offensive coordinator Shane Waldron or offensive line coach Chris Morgan. Regardless of who it is, there is clearly a disconnect somewhere.
Teven Jenkins alludes to a problem the Bears risked.
Don’t forget Morgan was one of the only holdovers from the previous offensive staff under Luke Getsy. Head coach Matt Eberflus felt the man had done a great job coaching up the younger guys. However, there was a risk that he might not mesh well with Waldron, who has a different system with different blocking schemes. The Bears also promoted Morgan to run game coordinator, giving him more say over the running game. Perhaps that and his unfamiliarity with Waldron are creating these communication issues.
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People may not like what Teven Jenkins said, but his comments can’t be ignored. This feels exactly like last season when the offense had an ugly first three games. Frustration is mounting. Jenkins isn’t the only one feeling it. Coaches are supposed to be the ones with the answers to problems like this. Talent isn’t the issue for Chicago. They should be good enough to field at least an average line. If there is a disconnect on the offensive staff, Eberflus better get it settled fast before his quarterback gets killed.
@Veece — I appreciate your dismay with my “reminding” Erik Lambert’s avid readers that Poles is at fault. But, please remember: GM Poles will also get credit for all the good he (more accurately, his players and coaches) accomplish(es). The defense has looked better and better. Poles’ guys, like: Andrew Billings, DeMarcus Walker, Kyler Gordon, and even Gervon Dexter Sr. (mainly on the strength of 2 recent sacks) deserve recognition. On the flip side: D’Andre Swift has shown us exactly who he is and has always been: a “one hit — three miss” kind of RB. Y’all finally know about… Read more »
@TGena Your criticism of the coaches was right on. But then, you had to take a shot at Poles and lose support. Regarding the article, the lousy blocking by the Bears OL is due to bad coaching. Our line looks overwhelmed and confused. And Waldron isn’t helping with his play calling. Caleb has been sacked 9 times in just 66 drop backs and was pressured 35 times against the Texans. NO QB will succeed when the defense is coming right through in his face. Peyton Manning didn’t succeed versus blitzes until the Colts got their OL resolved. And Caleb won’t… Read more »
I agree, the coaches have a lot to do with the players’ lack of success. The Bears looked a lot better last year and this year the players look confused and out of position.
Eberflus, an outstanding defensive coach is in way over his head as a head coach…the flags Sunday night were proof of his ineptitude plus his ego and chirpiness with reporters.
@Dr. Melhus I am not surprised that a neocon who wears a bow tie would try to legitimize the Donalds’, Boris’s, and Bibis’ of the world. We male lions provide the ultimate security in our territory. And against the largest game we will do what is necessary for the kill. We always eat first. And if we remove other males, we will be happy to kill their offspring. If we can, even when not hungry, we will kill those ugly and filthy hyenas too, just for fun.——— @Bear_Down It gets better. Dr. M, I expected better from you. Your weak… Read more »