It is time to bench this Chicago Bears player
During the stretch run of the 2020 season, the Chicago Bears running game started to find itself. Never mind that they were playing lifeless teams such as the Lions, Texans, and the Jaguars, but it was worth noting that Sam Mustipher was thrown into the lineup for that stretch and did well.
With that in mind, the Bears decided they had needs elsewhere, and let Mustipher walk into camp as the unquestioned starter. Mustipher started off on bumpy ground but had some tough matchups. However, after 12 weeks, and 19 career starts including last year, it is time to call Sam Mustipher what he is.
He is a backup who was a UDFA. He can give you two or three games in a pinch, and is worth a roster spot, but is in no way capable of starting. Snap issues have occurred with each quarterback, and he has struggled with identifying protection as well. Mustipher himself has not helped the development of Justin Fields.
The Chicago Bears would be wise to move Mustipher to the bench before Fields returns
Chicago Bears should try James Daniels at Center
Check out a more detailed analysis here, but while many fans are clamoring to move Cody Whitehair to center, it may be more beneficial to try James Daniels. Daniels struggled in 2019 but has physically matured since then. We know Whitehair is not a long-term answer.
Whichever version they choose, there will not be a better time to make this move. With five games left there is still an evaluation period to be had. The timing also coincides with the return of Teven Jenkins.
He is an extra lineman for now, and Matt Nagy has said that without his tackles being a problem that he may not have a spot on the line. However, center is a problem, and having a new offensive lineman in the mix should have the Chicago Bears exploring a way to replace him.
This crushed Bears vs Cardinals. dark. Next
Peters to guard, Jenkins to guard, Borom to guard, all have done it before and all are at least more creative than running back the same five with a center who is not letting you evaluate your quarterback.