This season, the Chicago Bears have become a top-10 offense in the NFL under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. They are the talk of the town, and fans still have a hard time believing this is all real.
It's imposing considering the Bears have now started three different players at left tackle since the beginning of the year. Just in Week 12, Theo Benedet was out due to injury, which allowed rookie second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo to get the first start of his career.
Now going into a Week 13 matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles, we still aren't too sure who will start on the left side, but head coach Ben Johnson seemed to leave the door open for Trapilo to make his second start.
"We will see," Johnson told reporters when he was asked if Benedet was still the starter upon return from injury.
As of right now, it seems like the starting left tackle position is well up in the air -- and that's an overwhelmingly-good thing.
It sure looks like Ozzy Trapilo forced Ben Johnson into a difficult decision
Trapilo delivered a remarkable first performance in his start against Pittsburgh. He gave up only a single pressure against the Pittsburgh Steelers to go with zero sacks and zero quarterback hits. It was beyond what anyone would have expected, but a welcomed surprise.
Remember, this was a front that includes TJ Watt, Nick Herbig and an entire front seven that continues to be one of the most difficult matchups for opposing lines.
Trapilo looked like a seasoned veteran when logic would tell you to expect a "fish out of water" type of experience. It was truly unforeseen, but now puts Johnson in a difficult situation.
That's a positive situation, all things considered, though.
When Benedet took over for Braxton Jones, the Bears' run game started to explode. His athleticism on the outside really showed up on tape. Now that Benedet went down with an injury, though, it gave Trapilo the chance to show his unwavering confidence and anchor.
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Trapilo held his own and didn't panic in the face of a fantastic pass rush from the Steelers. Now, the Bears might have two solid options at left tackle going forward. Furthermore, it could make their decision on Jones a whole lot easier next offseason, allowing him to find a new team while they move forward with Trapilo and Benedet.