Sep 23, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass as tackle J
I decided to do a countdown to the Chicago Bears season opener on September 8th versus the Cincinnati Bengals. Thanks to one of my Twitter followers, I decided to combine the countdown with a roster preview of sorts.
We’re J’Marcus Webb days away from kickoff. Only 73 days from kickoff? Are you high, you ask? Well, I expect the Bears right tackle isn’t any more, after a offseason run-in with the southern Illinois law enforcement officials for drugs. Lucky for him, charges were dropped so hopefully he can focus on the on-field issues.
Webb will be sliding back to a familiar position, the right tackle spot. Webb started 10 games at right tackle as a rookie in 2010, where he was widely criticized. So what did the Bears do in 2011? They moved him over to the all-important left tackle position when another former first rounder Chris Williams couldn’t secure the job.
Webb will be in another spotlight competition this preseason. Last year, Webb had to beat out Chris Williams for the starting left tackle spot. In one of the lamest competitions this side of So You Think You Can Dance, Webb beat out Williams and sent another Jerry Angelo draft pick to the street.
This season, Webb will be battling journeyman Jonathan Scott for the starting right tackle spot, with the loser most likely to become the swing tackle. Something tells me there might actually be a legitimate competition this season, as Aaron Kromer pieces together his ideal offensive line.
For my money, I think Webb would be a great swing tackle. He’s been through the wars on both sides and could spell either spot in a pinch. That said, I’m not convinced Jonathan Scott is all that. Phil Emery lauded him last offseason, but he failed to impress me. Then again, no one on their 2012 roster really did.
Webb should be looking over his shoulder, as first rounder Kyle Long could be an up-and-comer to move into the right tackle spot down the road. He’s in a contract year this season and coming off his brush with the law, I expect Webb to step up his game and have a solid season. If he doesn’t, J’Webb Nation will be relocating!
We’re 73 days from kickoff. Are you ready???