Kyle Long is practicing and his return could be exactly what the Chicago Bears need to make a playoff run
With all of the injuries that Kyle Long has faced over the years some Chicago Bears fans are beginning to shrug off the notion that he could return to the lineup soon.
Most are in believe it when they see it mode. Others may think the offense has been moving just fine without him. While the Chicago Bears have been able to stack wins and run into the playoffs, it seems pretty clear that the defense is doing the heavy lifting, while the offense does it part.
Still, it is worth noting that there was a time when this offense was moving more fluidly. That was when Kyle Long was starting over Bryan Witzmann.
Do not get it mistaken, the sole reason for any Chicago Bears offensive struggles does not come down to Bryan Witzmann and Witzmann alone. However, with Witzmann playing 464 snaps, and the Bears having played 486 snaps without him there is a good split to see the difference in the offense.
More from Bear Goggles On
- Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
- How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
- The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
- Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
- 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears
It is worth noting they run the ball 47.5% of the time with him and 46.5% without Witzmann. With Witzmann in the lineup the Chicago Bears have a 42.7% run success rate. When he is not on the field, the Bears have a 52.3% run success rate.
That includes a 4.2% explosive run rate with him and a 6.4% explosive run rate without him. That adds up to 3.6 yards per carry with him and 4.6 yards per carry without him.
Again, this is not to say that Wiztmann is the sole reason for these issues. However, it could be argued that this is a play that directly affects his impact on the running game.
With Kyle Long on the field the Bears have a 53% run success rate, 6.9% of runs grade explosive and they pick up 4.74 yards per carry. This shows that even in the small time where Eric Kush platooned with Witzmann at right guard, that Kyle Long was still much better than either at that spot.
Do not underestimate the return of Kyle Long. It could turn the Chicago Bears into a team ready to establish a new dimension and control the clock with the ground game.