The Chicago Bears‘ offensive line faced a brutal opening test on Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers. Most would agree they have one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL, led by Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, and Javon Kinlaw. The Bears’ front was inexperienced and untested. Nobody typified that more than Teven Jenkins. After missing most of last season with a back injury, he’d be thrust into a brand new position at right guard midway through the preseason. It was hard to know what to expect.
It’s doubtful anybody could’ve predicted the former 2nd round pick would break the 49ers like Bane from the Batman comics. Exaggeration aside, the 24-year-old did not look overwhelmed at almost any point during the contest. San Francisco was tough, but he held firm in pass protection, allowing only one pressure all afternoon as he rotated with Lucas Patrick. What stood out the most was how aggressive he was. Jenkins didn’t let the 49ers dictate the temp of the game. There were multiple occasions where he dealt out some punishment.
Example #1 – Laying the big man low.
This might’ve been the play that started to change the feel of the game. Until this point, the 49ers defensive front was flying everywhere, almost at will. This ends up being a minor three-yard scramble by Justin Fields. Watch Jenkins, though. As Nick Bosa tries to get around RT Larry Borom, he looks to turn back inside. After helping C Sam Mustipher slow up Armstead, Jenkins shoots in and puts Bosa on the turf with one good pop. Unfortunately, the drive ended without points, but that was the first instance where it felt like the Bears were done getting pushed around.
Example #2: Teven Jenkins paves the way.
Chicago came alive in the second half with two big touchdown drives to take a 13-10 lead. Then an Eddie Jackson interception set them up at San Francisco’s 21-yard line. A touchdown could put the game out of reach. It was here where Teven Jenkins pretty much broke their spirit. On the first play, they ran Khalil Herbert right behind him. Jenkins bulldozes Armstead out of the lane, and Herbert picks up ten yards. Two plays later, another driving Jenkins blocked helped pick up nine more. That was it. Chicago scored two plays later and iced the game 19-10.
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Nothing about that game suggested the kid was out of place. He looked so much like the players the Bears traded up to get last year. If that trend continues, this offensive line will be one nobody wants to play in the coming weeks.
Tape looks good. Happy for TJ
This is why the network talking head(s) are really nice voices with very little to actually say.
I have to wonder what was going on with Patrick? Why the substitution and the resub by Jenkins?
Good week to be TJ in the film room. He has some pass blocking mistakes to clean up but is just a road grader in run blocking. Can’t wait to see him lay out some fudge defenders.
Smart move by coaches having the two guards split reps…Neither of them had many reps during camp and pre season! Coach has to get them Reps, and did it in unconventual way!