The Chicago Bears did a lot of work this off-season on upgrading the offense. We now know this was done in anticipation of Caleb Williams’ arrival via the #1 overall pick. GM Ryan Poles didn’t play it cheap, either. He traded for wide receiver Keenan Allen, signed running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett, and topped it off by selecting wide receiver Rome Odunze with the 9th overall pick. Many believe this is the best supporting cast a #1 pick has ever had going into his first year. If not, it is right near the top.
One concern has lingered for many people: They aren’t sure about the offensive line. While they improved somewhat last season, they still allowed 50 sacks. Yet the Bears chose to bring four of the five starters from that unit back for this year. Only the center will be different. Veterans Ryan Bates and Coleman Shelton will compete for it. There are guards Nate Davis and Teven Jenkins, both of whom can’t seem to stay healthy. Left tackle Braxton Jones has improved considerably but still has lingering questions about his anchor in pass protection. Only Darnell Wright feels like a true fixture after his strong rookie season.
Not everybody is sweating it, though. Brandon Thorn, an offensive line expert of Trench Warfare, stated on Twitter (X) that this group is far better than they’re getting credit for.
Part of the problem last year was that Justin Fields continued to struggle with the same issues that had plagued him since he got to the NFL. If his first read wasn’t there, he’d be too slow getting to the next one. This led to him holding the ball too long. Inevitably, the protection would break down, forcing him to run or take a sack. The line would get blamed for that. People have wondered how much of the problem last season was them and how much it was Fields. Williams can help answer that.
Experts have insisted for months that he is capable of playing the more conventional style. He can stand in the pocket, read the coverage, and make quick decisions. If that is the case, Caleb Williams should instantly make life easier for the offensive line. Doing so might finally allow this group to flourish. There were always signs they had the capability to be really good. Go watch the performance against Washington and their loaded defensive front last year. Thorn is correct. If health prevails, this can be a strong blocking unit.
