What To Watch For: Bears At Chargers
By Grizz.
The Development Of The Young Tackles
Sep 20, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Kyle Long (75) before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Anyone who has routinely been watching the Chicago Bears should have easily noticed the big bear in the #75 jersey that continuously is mauling defensive lineman. However, those who watched the Chicago Bears preseason could have never imagined what they would be getting out of Charles Leno Jr. in the mid weeks of the regular season.
Long plays with a certain nastiness to him, which is one of the reasons he has quickly become a fan favorite in the windy city.
A former seventh round selection out of Boise State, Leno Jr. has shown that he can consistently perform at an adequate level at the left tackle position. Utilizing his arm length and solid base technique in pass protection, Leno Jr. is giving the Bears exactly what they need at the right time. As for the former pro bowl guard, Long has been progressing each and every week as his switch from right guard to right tackle has prolonged. Long plays with a certain nastiness to him, which is one of the reasons he has quickly become a fan favorite in the windy city. These young tackles will have to continue progressing each and every game in order to give General Manager Ryan Pace a clear idea of what his teams needs are moving into the future. Having two quality tackles in Leno Jr. and Long moving forward would not only solve a lot of problems caused by the lack of talent elsewhere on the roster, but would also give the Bears the edge in the trenches – which is ultimately where the game is won. Charles Leno Jr. and Kyle Long will look to continue their development this Monday at San Diego.
Next: Bears Secondary Versus Rivers