We’re almost a week into training camp and there is already rotation and early concerns on the Bears O-line. The bad news is it’s early. The good news, it’s early. So, let’s discuss what’s happening and what the most likely outcome is.
New guys in town
Last week Ryan Poles showed he doesn’t think this is just a rebuilding year by signing veterans, tackle Riley Reiff and guard Michael Schofield. Now while neither is a Hall of famer, they are absolutely upgrades at their positions, and guys you can win with. Schofield is a monster at 6’6. That’s huge for a guard. He’s basically replacing James Daniels, a guy I thought was way overrated.
Schofield’s production has been better then Daniel’s over the last few seasons. Reiff played with the Bengals last year but was hurt for the Super Bowl. He has been a solid veteran in the league for a while. Bears fans will remember him with the lions, and Vikings, but let’s try to forget the times Kahlil Mack tossed him to the side with one arm.
Bears returning to the line
The other tackle and guard positions are locked up too. Cody Whitehair the Bears leader on the line has the left guard spot, and second year tackle Larry Borom will be the right-side tackle. Borom played well last year and will be even better this season. That’s huge because the Teven Jenkins saga gets worse every day, but I saw that coming a mile away. The Bears need to trade him while they are maybe still able to get something. You can check out the article I wrote last week about that here.
Wounded Bear on the line
Lucas Patrick, the Bears center who was signed in the off season is out with a hand injury that needs surgery. There is no current timetable, but the Bears seem to be optimistic he will return for week one. I have a good feeling about it, so I will role with the optimism and look to see him out there week one. Until he is back look for that to be Sam Mustipher’s job at center. Rookie Doug Kramer may have something to say about that, but I have issues with Kramer’s size. 6’2 300 pounds is what Kramer’s listed at and that’s tiny by NFL standards.
Projected week 1 starters
While there are rookies like the before mentioned Doug Kramer, and seventh round pick Ja’Tyre Carter getting some first team snaps, we have a pretty good feeling who our week one starters are. Ok enough talk, you want to know who’s going to be out there week one, correct? Barring more injuries this what you’re looking at. Also, this depends on Patrick’s health week one.
LT- Reilly Reiff
LG- Cody Whitehair
C- Lucas Patrick/ Sam Mustipher
RG- Micheal Schofield
RT- Larry Borom
Honestly, it’s not too bad of a line. My main concern is continuity. Nowhere is that more important in this game then on the O-line. Know each other’s weakness’s, and where and when someone may need help. I don’t know about you, but I’m starting to get optimistic about this season. Bear down Chi-town.
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