The Chicago Bears seem to have done a good job at overhauling areas of their offense in terms of the skill positions. Jimmy Graham and Cole Kmet have headlined what most agree is the best position group in training camp. They also seem to have better depth at wide receiver with Darnell Mooney and Ted Ginn Jr. What many aren’t sure about is the offensive line, but Cordarrelle Patterson doesn’t seem concerned.
Last season the Bears struggled a lot in the blocking department. They were one of the worst run-blocking units in the NFL and were leaky in pass protection a bit too often as well. It’s a big reason why the team parted ways with offensive line coach Harry Hiestand. He was replaced by Juan Castillo who has begun making changes to the scheme as well as how the players practice and prepare.
Patterson has already noticed a difference. Especially in the run game. Following the team’s practice at Soldier Field, he had glowing words about the big guys and what they’ve done to get better.
“Like I (said), it just starts with that offensive line. They’ve been working their ass off this whole camp, man, with a new coach that’s trying to get better each and every day. Those guys are doing a hell of a job, man. I can sit here and say that, (those) boys, they working, they’re really working.”
Adam Jahns of The Athletic confirmed that after a slow start in camp, the line has gotten noticeably better at opening lanes for the running backs. Part of that is credited to Castillo’s coaching while another is slight changes to the formula. James Daniels reportedly arrived in peak physical condition, noticeably more muscular than years past. Then there is also Germain Ifedi. The former Seahawks 1st round pick is big, long, and powerful. So it stands to reason his arrival at right guard would improve matters.
This is such an essential part of the Bears’ hopes this season. One thing they just weren’t able to utilize in 2019 was play action. One of the few things Mitch Trubisky has been good at in his career. Last year he had 105 passing attempts off play action for just 692 yards. Defenses just weren’t buying the fakes. By contrast? Jimmy Garoppolo had 133 attempts for 1,438 yards. San Francisco was second in the NFL in rushing.
This is why Matt Nagy knows the run game must be better.
