When Teven Jenkins shifted from right tackle to right guard, several people felt it was a last-ditch attempt by the coaching staff to see if they could salvage the former 2nd round pick. Head coach Matt Eberflus and others insisted that wasn’t the case. They’ve stated from the beginning that their goal is to get the five best offensive linemen on the field. If that meant moving guys around, then so be it. With Riley Reiff and Larry Borom locked in battle at right tackle, it made no sense to let a talent line Jenkins twist in the wind.
So they did what many draft experts felt would eventually happen. They moved him to guard. He rolled with the second-team offense during his first practice on Monday. Then in a surprise twist, he was quickly promoted to the first team on Tuesday. It would be easy to shrug that off as them shaking things up, but don’t forget this coaching staff promotes and demotes guys for a reason. Ask Braxton Jones. People didn’t think his promotion to left tackle was noteworthy in the spring.
So much for that. According to Josh Schrock of NBC Sports Chicago, it sounds like Jenkins is performing well in his new role.
“Jenkins acquitted himself well in his first real reps at right guard. He held up in pass protection and had a big block to spring fullback Khari Blasingame for a touchdown in one of the later team periods.
Transitioning inside can be a process. However, the Bears believe Jenkins has the football IQ to absorb the information quickly and perhaps become their long-term answer at right guard.”
Teven Jenkins picking up a stunt. I was watching him pretty exclusively when the 2nd team O was on the field and I don’t think he lost a rep pic.twitter.com/GFDoNBOxDu
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) August 15, 2022
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Another Teven Jenkins rep at RG. Wins easily. The rest of the OL… yikes pic.twitter.com/JHyZt6P8jU
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) August 15, 2022
Bears have left the window open for Teven Jenkins.
Under normal circumstances, it would feel too little, too late for him. Players who shift positions mere weeks before the regular season begins seldom claim the starting job. The Bears are not in normal circumstances. Michael Schofield was the favorite to start at right guard since training camp began. Keep in mind it wasn’t because he was playing great. It was more because there were no better options. Schofield is experienced and durable. As a blocker? He’s average.
He reminded people of that in the preseason opener when he gave up a sack on Justin Fields while failing to generate any movement in the ground game. That is where Teven Jenkins comes in. Not only is he a better athlete than Schofield, but he’s also more powerful. Run blocking is his calling card. Considering how central running the football is to the Luke Getsy offense, it would make sense the Bears want to give him a real chance to beat Schofield for the job.
The upcoming preseason game in Seattle is his moment. If he can put together a standout performance, that might be the push he needs to lock the job down. It would be an amazing turn of events after what happened the previous month.
How’s that “last-ditch attempt” scoop panning out for you, Lambert?
No Pulitzer for you, this year.
It is much easier to move from T to G than the other way. Pass blocking is much tougher on the outside. Jenkins is adequate as a pass blocking T, should be more than good at it playing G. But, his strength is as a run blocker. That is where G’s need to dominate. Once he knows his assignments and doesn’t have to overthink everything I expect him to be dominant. This could be fun to watch.
CSN chicago has legit reports, not this regurgitated and repeated crap. SM is like reading the national inquirer
Let’s not too excited. Last week started with Jenkins coming of the sidelines. Now he’s a starter – in a new position? This is a showcase. Jenkins will get snaps this week in the hopes of increasing his value. Preseason is for making the team or raising awareness and interest by other teams in the league, because you’ve got take to evaluate. Jenkins has very little tape at Tackle and zero tape at Guard. All parties should be motivated for Jenkins to play well. If he does, the BEARS will either have salvaged market value before sending him packing or… Read more »
Need to let these men be able to have time to figure it out and let it soak in and then watch them flourish this season!!! Mark my words if you push them too hard and they don’t have the mentality to work on what’s wrong then the IQ IS NULL IN VOID so just let it play out during preseason!!!!