The Chicago Bears still haven’t settled their interior offensive line, it seems. While Teven Jenkins remains fixed at left guard, the same can’t be said for the other two spots. Coleman Shelton struggled in his first outing at center. Yet the bigger surprise came at right guard. Nate Davis was the projected starter but ended up only playing 18 snaps. Meanwhile, veteran Ryan Bates played 28. This wasn’t due to injuries, mind you. The Bears told them before the game that there would be a rotation.
This led to inevitable speculation. Are the Bears limiting Davis’ snaps because he missed a lot of training camp and they feel he needs to knock off some rust? Or is there a competition going on? Bates was asked about this after the game. It sure sounded like he had the green light from coaches that the spot was open.
Now the Bears have to sort through possibilities in the regular season.
“It felt good,” Bates said. “I’ve only had one week of practice. I had to figure it out quick.”
Bates had to figure it out against some pretty stout interior players and that didn’t make it easier. The hope moving forward is that he can manage the shoulder issue.
“I’ve dealt with it before so I know how to handle it,” he said. “I know how to work around it.”
Does he look at it as a job competition heading into Week 2?
“Of course,” Bates said. “Every week, everyone is competing. That is the way the NFL works.”
This stance was reinforced by insider Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. In his recent mailbag, he stated that the open battle at right guard is a real thing. It will probably continue into next week against Houston.
The biggest focus from my vantage point is at right guard, where there is an open battle for the starting job between Nate Davis and Bates. Shelton didn’t play well enough Sunday and he knows that. He struggled with some power. But I don’t think the Bears want to change centers right away and give rookie quarterback Caleb Williams something else to think about.
While his pass protection was mostly fine against Tennessee, his run blocking failed to stand out. Davis is a superior athlete, without a doubt. However, he is also a head case. He has a bad habit of suffering mental lapses from time to time, which can be so frustrating. Bates may not have the physical ceiling, but he is more disciplined with his approach to the game. Mental mistakes aren’t an issue with him. This probably will come down to what the Bears can stomach more: Davis’ mental errors or Bates’ physical limitations.
This week offers an opportunity for both. Houston may have two prominent edge rushers, but their interior defensive tackles aren’t exactly as overpowering as Tennessee. It is a chance for both of them to put on a strong performance. Whoever does could end up securing the job. Ryan Bates is somebody the Bears have liked for years. They didn’t trade for him by accident. GM Ryan Poles thinks he can play. This is probably the best shot he will ever have to secure a starting job.
