Chicago Bears: Top Five Concerns Heading into Regular Season

Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general shot of a Chicago Bears helmet during the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general shot of a Chicago Bears helmet during the second quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
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January 28, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Team Rice guard Josh Sitton of the Green Bay Packers (71) high-fives tackle Kyle Long of the Chicago Bears (75) during the 2016 Pro Bowl practice at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 28, 2016; Kahuku, HI, USA; Team Rice guard Josh Sitton of the Green Bay Packers (71) high-fives tackle Kyle Long of the Chicago Bears (75) during the 2016 Pro Bowl practice at Turtle Bay Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive Line

The Chicago Bears are procrastinators.  At least that’s my perception after the Bears decided to shuffle their offensive line the week before the regular season starts for the second straight season.

Last season, the Bears decided to move Kyle Long to right tackle at the eleventh hour and this season, they’re putting that burden on rookie Cody Whitehair.  He was targeted to be the starting left guard, but when Josh Sitton became available, it was a no-brainer to get him.  Rather than moving Sitton to center, the Bears will slide him into LG and let the rookie learn on the job.

Sitton may be a three-time Pro Bowler, but he’s still new to the Bears and this group.  He and Kyle Long have a budding bromance, but he’s still got to develop chemistry with the rest of the unit.

I still have my doubts about Charles Leno at left tackle.  I know that everyone thinks he’s underrated, but I prefer to call him a little unproven.

I think the offensive line will be better than they were in 2015, but it’s going to take a few weeks for this group to settle in.

Next: Tight Spot

Schedule