The Chicago Bears offensive line has certainly been a weak point. However, one player who has not been discussed much is James Daniels. That is usually a good thing when you think about offensive line play, because if they are struggling then it is on display for everyone to see.
While his right tackle has heard all the complaints, Daniels has held up, and the run game has improved with him in the lineup.
Below you can see that advanced stats agree that Daniels has been playing well. In fact, to the opposite, he has been one of the better right guards in the NFL. The best players are in the top right corner where Daniels sits.
Let's mix in some offensive line this week. Here's right guard.
— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) October 27, 2021
Run block win rate at RG (x) by pass block win rate at RG (y).
-Zack Martin stands out
-Both WFT guards stand out, particularly for run blocking
-Trey Smith looks good, couple other rookies struggling at bottom. pic.twitter.com/Qg48eoMH94
We knew that Daniels had to be helping in the run game, but to see his Pass Block Win Rate look so goof as well is vital. This also speaks a lot of Daniels.
If you remember, the run game got off to a great start in 2020 before his injury started to derail things. Now, he is not only getting back to his play, he is doing so off of the injury, and switching sides from left guard to right.
His transition made life easier for Cody Whitehair and Sam Mustipher, as he took the biggest change this offseason. Still, despite the injury and position change, it is pretty fair to say that James Daniels has been the Chicago Bears best lineman.
On one hand, the line has struggled, and only him and Jason Peters have been worthy of any praise. On the other, the Chicago Bears need to start somewhere when building up this line. James Daniels is a home grown draft pick who has taken steps in every season.
An injury did not hold him back, and if he keeps up this level of play, he is a no brainer to be extended this offseason, no matter who the GM is.