While Matt Nagy’s offense expects to be aggressive, attacking and innovative, there will still be a component and need to be able to run the ball well. An effective ground game opens up things in the passing game. So Nagy will be relying heavily on Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen this year to carry that burden. However, they’re not the only ones responsible for an effective rushing attack.
In order to be able to effectively move the chains, the offensive line has to be in sync and opening up lanes for the ball carrier. A running back can have all the talent in the world, but if he’s running behind a line that can’t create any space for him, he’s not going to be effective. That’s why the news that the Bears just received is so good to hear.
Offseason workouts just kicked off and the Bears players got to meet with Nagy for the first time at the facilities. Other interviews take place during this time and Patrick Finley, a writer for the Chicago Sun-Times, got to chat with Bears Right Guard Kyle Long.
After 3 offseason procedures, #Bears G Kyle Long expects to have 'no limitations' this season. On the #Bears' Ed Block Courage Award winner https://t.co/DmFZdFed7Z
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) April 3, 2018
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Long has become one of the “faces of the franchise” over the past few years and is now one of the oldest players on the team at 29. He’s incredibly powerful, gritty and tough when he’s on the field and playing at full strength. However, he’s been injured off and on over the past couple seasons…causing the Bears to rely on their depth. This off-season though, Long made sure to attack that. He wanted to get right and it lead to three surgeries.
Long endured surgeries on his neck, shoulder and elbow this off-season and has been in recovery mode since. He had some good things to say though when asked about how he’s feeling.
“…there’s certain things that are time-sensitive that we have to follow a certain timeline with, the neck being one of them. as you know it’s not something you wanna take lightly. We’re gonna take all the time we need, but there will be no limitations once the season rolls around.”
Long’s health is vital to the performance of the offensive line this next season. He’s a leader on and off the field and the glue that holds that line together. A fully healthy Kyle Long is essential to allowing Howard and Cohen those running lanes that will then translate to opening up passing lanes.
It’s true what they say, “Football is won in the trenches.”
