The Chicago Bears’ offensive line is a mess. Despite their ongoing success running the ball, it’s clear they have significant weaknesses in pass protection. That was on display again in Week 4 against the New York Giants. Justin Fields was sacked six times. Center Sam Mustipher and guard Lucas Patrick were the primary culprits, allowing 11 combined pressures and two sacks by themselves. It is hard to find any bright spots in such misery. That is unless people take time to watch Teven Jenkins.
After everything the former 2nd round pick went through this off-season, from getting to demoted to rampant trade rumors, his switch to guard seems to have resurrected his career. That was on display in New York. While everybody else struggled with consistency, Jenkins rarely made mistakes. He allowed zero pressures in 29 pass-blocking snaps and was a big help in their surprisingly successful screen game.
Jenkins has logged 58 total pass blocks this season. He’s allowed two pressures on the quarterback. Total. Not only that, but he’s also their third-highest-rated run blocker, according to Pro Football Focus. Don’t forget he had never played the position outside of one or two snaps in college. It makes the Bears’ ongoing rotation between him and Patrick even more mind-boggling.
The Bears have hesitated to make him the full-time starter for whatever reason. Now they don’t have a choice. Cody Whitehair left Sunday’s game with a knee injury. It looks like he could miss significant time. That will force them to move Patrick over to left guard. Jenkins should become the permanent right guard as a result. It will allow him to truly settle in alongside Larry Borom and Sam Mustipher. No more rotations. Whatever logic the Bears operated by with that approach wasn’t working anyway.
A better question is whether the coaches might shift Patrick to center where they had initially planned. It’s not like Mustipher is doing anything to warrant keeping the job. If this is about putting the best five players on the field, Teven Jenkins should’ve been playing every snap from the beginning. His talent is so obvious, as is his growth. Chicago needs building blocks for that line. They may finally have one.
