Teven Jenkins can’t say he’s enjoyed his NFL experience up to this point. He injured his back before his first training camp even began, necessitating surgery. He didn’t return until November and never got a chance to settle back in as a starter. Then when the new year arrived, the Chicago Bears entered upheaval as the GM and head coach that drafted him got fired. What he thought would be an off-season where he’d finally secure his starting tackle spot became a demotion even before the end of OTAs.
As if things weren’t bad enough, an undisclosed injury sidelined Jenkins again at the start of training camp. He’d miss over a week of practices before finally returning. By that point, the tackle situation had solidified, with Braxton Jones, Larry Borom, and Riley Reiff looking like the top three. That was it. Jenkins had gone from starter to backup. Worse still, there were rampant rumors that he may get traded in the near future.
It would’ve been easy to despair.
Instead, the 23-year-old kept working. Then offensive line coach Chris Morgan came to him with a suggestion. Try moving inside to guard. Jenkins only dabbled at the position briefly in college, so there was little familiarity. Still, he recognized this might be his only chance to play, so he accepted. Two weeks later, the Bears made him their undisputed starter at right guard after releasing veteran Michael Schofield.
It was a turnaround nobody saw coming. Sure several draft experts felt Jenkins might fit better at guard in the NFL. Yet nobody could’ve predicted how fast he’d take to the position so late in training camp. It was a testament to both his natural ability and his work ethic. One person who took notice of his efforts was Ryan Poles. The Bears GM explained how he took Jenkins aside to praise him for the mental and physical toughness he showed.
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Teven Jenkins has a golden opportunity in front of him.
The Bears have left the door wide open. Not only is he the start right guard, but the competition behind him is minimal. Only rookie 7th round pick Ja’Tyre Carter and career center Sam Mustipher stand as threats. The new regime is willing to trust him with holding down the job all season—a remarkable show of faith considering where he was a month ago. It is an excellent development for the organization too.
They’ve had too few highly drafted offensive linemen flop over the past decade. It is a big reason their blocking has been so awful for long stretches of time. Teven Jenkins was supposed to help correct those problems. Seeing him fall out of favor was demoralizing for fans. Now he’s on the upswing and may be in a position that fits his skills best. If he can learn to master the finer points of guard, he can be a fixture there for a decade.
It’s up to him.
Getting a show of support from Poles like that had to have felt good. The new GM isn’t easy to please, especially regarding the offensive line. It must be true if he thinks Jenkins is pointed in the right direction.
You got it wrong, again, Lambert.
It was “his guy,” Braxton Jones that Poles called into his office for the “great job, kid” speech.
But hey, Ryan Poles went to the bathroom again, today, without any help — so, there’s that!
For, not only Jenkins, but for anyone with the talent and the passion to compete; the Bears are the answer to their dreams. Holes need to be filled, and opportunities are being given for the cream to rise to the top, and play. When they prove they can play; they will!
Jenkins needs to dump the coke bottle glasses as the season goes forward.
Let’s go Teven! Go Bears!
Hey, Lambert,
What do you use to get the taste of Ryan Poles’ ass, off your tongue?
Or, do you just enjoy it?