Chicago Bears Roster Review: Roberto Garza

Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears center Roberto Garza (63) during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace has quite a rebuilding project on his hands.  In the next phase of our Chicago Bears Roster Review, we look at the players who are currently on the Bears roster.  We’ll look back at their 2014 season and look ahead to how they might fit into the team’s plans in 2015.

Roberto Garza, C, Age 35

2014 Review

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He performed admirably at both center and guard last year before getting injured. In 2014, pro football focus had Garza responsible for 1 sack allowed while I have Brian de la Puente down for giving up 3.5 sacks and Ryan Groy down for 1 sack allowed in is limited time.

2015 Outlook

Garza has become a popular whipping boy for fans, but the fact remains that he is a quality NFL center that brings a wealth of experience to the locker room and the offensive line. The Bears could still decide to invest a draft pick at center since Garza will be 36 years old. Brian de la Puente is another option for 2015 if the Bears decide to re-sign him. At the end of the season, the Bears reached a one-year agreement on an extension with Garza. At this point of his career, Garza is a glue guy in a locker room that desperately needs it. On the field, the end is near for Garza, who was physically overpowered at times and struggled with the quickness of younger interior rushers. Looking at how frequently the Broncos pulled guards and tackles in their screen game under John Fox and Adam Gase, athleticism is a plus. The Bears appear to be in good shape in the short term, but a long-term plan at center and adding an additional piece — makes sense. Garza isn’t going anywhere and he shouldn’t, but a high draft pick at center would be a smart decision this year. I know that we say that about every position it seems like, but center needs to have a long term solution and it cannot be ignored. I think that the Bears invest a pick in the first 4 rounds on a long term solution at center. He should stay but the bigger question still remains about who should be the option in the long term.

What do you think? Were you happy with Garza’s 2014 performance and what should the Bears do?

BEAR DOWN!!!