70 Days Until Chicago Bears 2017 Season Kicks Off: Bobby Massie Profile
The Bear Goggles On Countdown to Kickoff series is now underway for the second season in a row. With 70 days to go until the Bears season kicks off, we will highlight the Bears player that is wearing number 70, Bobby Massie.
2016 Review
Massie had a very up and down season in 2016. Sometimes he would be very ineffective pass blocking and would struggle run blocking, but he got a little better as the season went on. But to start out the year, his play was “scary.” Some of the rankings he had put him somewhere towards the end of the NFL’s tackle group but somehow, he managed to be just a little more than serviceable. His pass blocking has been rated as fair while his run blocking is rated as poor.
After watching him play in every game last season, this writer often referred to him as a “revolving door” allowing defenders to blow by him and into the backfield. But the Bears didn’t have anyone better last season. They lived with Massie, and they got by.
2017 Outlook
The Bears have several players at the tackle position heading into training camp. Some of them will head to the left side while some will compete for a spot on the right. Saying this may be surprising to some, but Massie may be the best of the bunch, at least on the right side. Maybe he is the best on that side right now. He has the most experience of any of the offensive tackles that the Bears. Because of this, he will most likely end up being the starter at right tackle again.
With some shifting being done at guard and possibly at center, the Bears will have a strong offensive line except, perhaps, at both tackle spots. Charles Leno, Jr., figures to start one the left side and while he is solid, he is not spectacular. With Massie being inconsistent, Chicago’s play at both tackle spots this coming season will be shaky.
With better talent around him, Massie should be able to step up his game and play better. Maybe, along with the rest of the experienced and talented players on the roster, he can help mold the line into one of the better ones in the league. But he could be the weakest link on a vastly improved part of this team.
Chicago Bears
The Bears need Massie to perform at a high level. They must have everyone on that line clicking to keep the rushing attack going and their inexperienced quarterbacks safe. Can he contribute positively or will Massie be a liability?
Unless the Bears decide to grab another tackle from another team through a trade or off the scrap heap, Massie will be their starter at right tackle. Expect him to be “just good enough” but not play spectacular “lights out” football. The Bears and their fans will pray he doesn’t have the same start to 2017 that he did in 2016. Most of all, hopefully, he isn’t a detriment to the line continually in 2017.
Future with the Bears
The future for Massie is not bright nor is it dim. He will spend 2017 as the starter at right tackle, but the Bears will look for his replacement in 2018. Knowing that it’s unlikely that the will be on the roster when training camp starts next season. Chicago will spend a lot of time concentrating on fixing the position and Massie will not be considered a part of that fix.
Consider him a free agent at the end of next season.