Nobody can dispute that Kyle Long knows a thing or two about offensive line play. A guy doesn’t go to three Pro Bowls by accident. He was the best blocker the Chicago Bears had in the 2010s. He probably could’ve been a Hall of Famer if not for the injuries. Even so, Long has maintained loyalty to the team that drafted him, always keeping track of how things are going. Unsurprisingly, most of his attention is on the offensive line. This is where his latest comment raised eyebrows.
While most of his career was spent in Chicago, Long did spend one season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He thought he understood the overall mentality of blockers by then. He soon realized he’d been mistaken. The moment he arrived, it was evident how much harder the line worked to protect Patrick Mahomes. It made him realize that guys seem to reach another gear when they know they have a legitimate quarterback behind them.
Why is this relevant? He admitted that he saw many of the same characteristics from the Bears’ offensive line during their first two drives in Buffalo on Saturday. The two series they were protecting Caleb Williams.
Kyle Long sees the same signs as others.
Multiple teammates in the Bears locker room have said they see something special in Williams. The “it” factor is there. He’s obviously talented, but he couples that with intelligence, poise, and ultra-competitiveness. It feels like guys suddenly have the confidence that they will have a chance to win every football game with him under center. Just like Long felt with Mahomes in Kansas City. These are no small comments. He isn’t one to make them lightly. Long has always been an objective viewer despite his Bears roots.
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He sees a Caleb Effect taking over the offensive line room. Buffalo never really got close to him on either of the two drives. The protection was stout the entire time. Don’t forget this comes on the heels of rising concerns from practice that they were getting beat too often. Maybe they weren’t taking it seriously because they knew Williams wouldn’t get hit. Or maybe the Bears’ defensive line is that good. Either way, Kyle Long has seen a shift in their behavior, which bodes well for what’s coming.
Just curious…is -52 a record? It has to be close, No??
Absolutely Tred…developing guys that were drafted in later rounds is important. Not every player is going to be a starter their first year. Good to see him play well
Nice, to read, Tred. TY. We have been keeping Kramer around for a reason, and it can take a couple years to get a center developed. It would be nice to have him ready to go and above average.
Did anyone notice Doug Kramer’s work? I can’t be the only one. 91 something PFF rating. You know, we could try giving our young OL guys a chance before we cut them or plant them on the bench to grow moss.
We might have some answers to our depth issues if we’d just try them. The scouts saw something in these kids when they were brought here…
Just a thought.
Sally a great man once said “simplicity is the key to brilliance” know who that was? You should try it. Since you already think you’re brilliant. Albeit you’re the only one……