As the Chicago Bears get ready for the final tune-up in an exhibition against the Tennessee Titans, fans are still incredibly uneasy over one particular position.
It isn't just the fans, though. Even Ben Johnson acknowledged the left tackle position is far from solved. That's not exactly where you want to be with just over two weeks to go before Week 1. And whether it's Braxton Jones or Theo Benedet getting the start against Tennessee, they could be in for trouble.
In another conversation I had with FanSided's Titans expert, Justin Melo of Titan Sized, he pointed out that it'll be a former first-round pick going up against whomever the Bears throw out there first, assuming Tennessee plays their starters.
"The Titans plan to rotate pass rushers quite a bit this season. Current indications are Jermaine Johnson II and Jacob Martin will be the first two on the field. Both have been productive at practice. If the starters play, expect Johnson to test the blind side."
Jermaine Johnson II could be the determining factor in the Chicago Bears' left tackle competition
As Jets fans would love to discuss, I also asked Melo about Jermaine Johnson II being dealt the "bust" label. Going into Year 5, the 2022 first-round pick is entering an important year.
Of course, Melo pointed out the obvious: Johnson was on track to break out before his devastating Achilles injury. He missed 15 games in 2024, and as is per usual with these injuries, it takes a year or so to get all the way back.
In 2023, Johnson posted 7.5 sacks and 25 total pressures per Pro Football Reference. He was also voted to the Pro Bowl, for what it's worth.
Now, back to the Bears. If Johnson plays in this one, he'll probably play only as many snaps as the bulk of the other starters. That means whoever the Bears trot out there as the starting left tackle in this one could have the upper hand -- if he performs well.
Assuming it's Jones, he is in for a rough outing. Johnson is far more of a power rusher than a finesse rusher. And, as we know about Jones, he struggles against power pass rushers. After watching him have a hard time with backup Bengals defensive ends, Bears fans were all up in a ruckus over the fact that he still doesn't have an anchor.
This could give Benedet a huge advantage, assuming Theo doesn't necessarily have to go up against Johnson. If it is Jones vs. Johnson to start the game, Benedet will get the luxury of taking on Titans backups while Jones is, in all likelihood, going to get blasted a few times by Johnson.
If this left tackle position is as wide open as coaches lead us to believe, at this point, I wouldn't be shocked if Jones struggles mightily and Benedet surprises at the last possible moment, earning the start for Week 1.
Of course, that could change back in Jones' favor with one or two poor performances from Benedet. And then, Bears fans are just back in the state of praying Ozzy Trapilo gets on the field as soon as humanly possible.
But for this game alone, Jones has his work cut out for him and might end up losing the job thanks to Johnson's skill set.
Read more: Bears' Dayo Odeyingbo has a chance to completely turn the tables vs. Titans
Here's to hoping we're all in for a pleasant surprise.
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