The Chicago Bears have many problems right now on offense. Probably the most glaring is their lack of overall talent. Look at all 11 spots in the starting lineup, and it could be argued seven or eight of them are occupied by guys that would be backups on other teams. One that continues to get tons of anger from fans is Sam Mustipher. While the former undrafted free agent has played above that status since arriving in 2019, the reality has set in over the past two months that he will never get better.
The guy is tough as nails and strong. Unfortunately, his modest size and lack of athleticism have been a constant issue for their interior protection. Both the New York Giants and Washington Commanders thoroughly exposed him. One person that is in the camp of people that feel a change is needed is Brian Baldinger. A former offensive lineman himself, the NFL Network analyst made it clear on 670 The Score that center is the Bears’ weak link right now.
#Bears practice today. Both Lucas Patrick and Sam Mustipher snapped the ball in open portion pic.twitter.com/v50Soz56gk
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) October 20, 2022
GM Ryan Pace tried two different times to install a genuine long-term starter at center. Hroniss Grasu was first in 2015. He tore his ACL before the start of his second season, necessitating the insertion of Cody Whitehair into that spot. Then Pace tried again in 2018 by drafting James Daniels. That flopped as well. Those failures eventually came back to haunt the Bears, forcing them to go with Mustipher, if only because he was their most reliable guy.
Being reliable only goes so far in this league. Talent must take over at some point. Sam Mustipher just doesn’t have enough to offer. Lucas Patrick might not be much better, but he’s worth giving a look. It was why the Bears signed him in the first place. The current configuration isn’t working, and Justin Fields is paying the price. It sounds like the coaching staff is finally considering a change. Hopefully, it will have a positive impact.
