5 interesting notes from Chicago Bears week 1 snap counts

The Chicago Bears opened up their season with a win against the 49ers. Beyond that, with a new coach and a new front office in place, the first week of the season is a great chance to see how the coaches feel about certain players. It is easy to lie in the offseason, but the amount and usage of certain guys playing time can tell you all you need to know.

With so much new in the building it is fair to say that we were going to learn a lot about the roster regardless. What are five interesting situations to take away from the first game?

5. Teven Jenkins and Lucas Patrick split

This one may not have as much long-standing predictability after this, but it was worth following. With Lucas Patrick nursing a thumb injury that has not had him snapping, many were questioning if the team would move him to right guard, or if they would keep Teven Jenkins thereafter he has been working at it the past three weeks.

The answer is both. Teven Jenkins started the game and played 31 snaps, a 53% snap share. Then, on an every-other-drive rotation, we saw Lucas Patrick out there for 27 snaps or a 47% snap share. That is a rather even split, with Jenkins getting four more plays, or essentially the odd drive as he started things out.

The thought is that when Patrick can fully snap the football he will move back to center, and Sam Mustipher will go to the bench. Still, one thing that is clear, is that the Bears like Mustipher more than casual fans. We will see how Patrick progresses and if this changes the way things worked in week one. For now, it was an even rotation at right guard.