One player doesn’t typically have a drastic impact in football unless he’s a quarterback. Teven Jenkins proved that sentiment incorrect when he finally suited up for Thursday night against the Washington Commanders. It was amazing how different the Chicago Bears offensive line looked with the guard back in place. Start with the running game. Bears runners ran for a whopping 66 yards on 11 carries when going either between the left guard and center or behind the left guard on Thursday night. It was evident Jenkins was steamrolling guys for most of the night.
Somehow, he was even better in pass protection. In 16 snaps, Jenkins didn’t allow a single pressure on Justin Fields. His ability to stabilize the pocket was a big reason the Bears quarterback successfully threw for 285 yards and four touchdowns. It was another reminder that when the guy is healthy, he might be their best blocker. Matt Eberflus almost ruined everything when he took Jenkins out of the game for Ja’Tyre Carter as part of a pre-determined rotation. Mercifully, it didn’t cost Chicago the game. It came close, though.
Now Jenkins has ten days to get fully up to speed for Minnesota. If he looks like he did on Thursday night, this offensive line will be a force.
There is no denying he has the ability to be one of the ten best guards in professional football. His only issue from the start has been health. Injuries have slowed his career to this point. It was back problems during his rookie year in 2021. Last season, it was hip and neck problems. Now, he missed the first four games with a calf strain. Chicago knows they can’t trust him yet. He has to show he can go a long period of time without getting injured before they consider giving him a long-term extension.
We already know GM Ryan Poles would do it. He rewarded Cole Kmet with a new contract after his strong 2022 season. Teven Jenkins is talented enough to receive the same. He already has the tape to justify it. Everything is about staying on the field. If he can, the entire Bears offense will benefit. They run the ball far better with him in the huddle, and his pass protection has improved dramatically. More than any of that, he is their enforcer. The Bears play like a bully with him in the lineup. He is a critical part of their identity, and it’s so fun to watch.
