Chicago Bears: Is OL depth an issue?

Does the Chicago Bears lack of offensive line depth concern you coming into the start of the 2019 season?

One of the more disappointing performances of the Chicago Bears first preseason game was the quarterback play. However, for as questionable as Chase Daniel looked, it was hard to say just what the issue was because he was under durress for the majority of the night.

The Chicago Bears did not have their starters in, but nonetheless, the offensive line was pretty alarming.

The development of these depth players is crucial, as they may be called upon if anyone is to go down with an injury. While it was not mentioned much, the Chicago Bears offense was much less efficient when they had to roll with Bryan Witzmann at guard to end the season.

Witzmann is gone, but there are not many names to step in to replace him. The offense flows well when Kyle Long starts, but Long has missed at least eight games in three straight years. The Bears restructured Longs deal as they are not quite sold on his health.

However, there is not a name that is ready to step in and replace him. Ted Larsen is an old veteran who could hang in a pinch, but his best role would be coming in to finish the game an injury occurred in and maybe a start or so from there. If Long went to the IR in week six, the team would have to start exploring options outside the franchise.

This would likely be the same for James Daniels or Cody Whitehair. If they went down, Larsen would step in, and a longterm option would need to be looked into.

At tackle, T.J. Clemmings was a player to watch, but we are starting to learn why a player with physical upside has bounced around the NFL. He is on an uphill battle to crack the 53-man. Rashaad Coward stunned us all when he looked comfortable playing right tackle for the first time last season.

However, this year we may be learning that as our expectations increased, his growth has not matched the same trajectory. This is not to say Coward is a bust, but that tackle is going to take time to learn. When we thought he may fall all over himself he impressed. That does not mean he is ready to be an NFL starter.

The Bears didn’t add to the offensive line in the draft, but they did bring in a strong crop of UDFAs. The question is can any of them get up to speed by the time an injury occurs this season?

It is not a bad thing when the weakness of the team lies within the backups. However, the health of the offensive line is right with Mitch Trubisky as things that will make or break this season.