Every Chicago Bears fan was overjoyed when the team decided to roll with Theo Benedet at left tackle over Braxton Jones, but has that turned into the right move?
In training camp, Jones won the job over Benedet since Bears head coach Ben Johnson brought Benedet into the fold at left tackle late in camp. Jones struggled in the first four games with run blocking and was too inconsistent with pass protection.
After the bye week, Johnson named Benedet as the new starter at left tackle after making a decent first start at right tackle, and the team saw a noticeable boost in the run game with back-to-back games with over 140 yards rushing. Chicago has gone 2-1 since Benedet took over at left tackle, but is he the reason the team has improved in some aspects of the offense?
Numbers show Benedet is actually struggling to start things out at left tackle
There are varying opinions regarding Pro Football Focus' grading system, but what they have for Benedet is, for the most part, backed up by the eye test. Benedet's overall PFF grade is a staggeringly low 51.4, ranking 69th out of 77 offensive tackles who qualify. Other key grades to look at include a 53.7 pass-blocking grade (61st) and a 57.4 run-blocking grade (53rd).
Benedet has struggled in two important categories on the offensive line since being the starter: containing pass rushers and penalties. He has four penalties in four starts, as well as allowed 10 pressures and one sack at left tackle.
Bears fans also have to understand that Benedet has only made four career NFL starts, so he isn't 100% where he needs to be in his development. He's a good run blocker who needs more help in pass protection himself.
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Benedet is not a bad option to have at left tackle for now, but Bears general manager Ryan Poles will have to do something about the position. Whether Poles wants to get something done at the trade deadline or in the offseason, Chicago has to find another option besides Jones and Benedet.