The Chicago Bears are probably happy to reach their bye week after a tough 27-24 Week 9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, following a not-so-great performance from many of their position groups.
One big thing that frustrated every Bears fan was the turnovers. Quarterback Caleb Williams threw four interceptions, and Luther Burden III fumbled the ball in the fourth quarter and suffered a concussion on the play after a big hit.
Chicago's offense got all the attention, even though they didn't play that well. What wasn't talked about as much, though, was how much the offensive line struggled against the Buccaneers' defensive front.
Bears' offensive line took a beating in their Week 9 win over Tampa Bay
It was a brutal night for the offensive line on so many fronts, which might come as a surprise. They arguably have the best guard duo in the NFL, Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, while also having a top-five tackle in Darnell Wright. That just didn't seem to be the case against the Bucs, though.
Williams was pressured 21 times and took one sack, per Pro Football Focus.
Thuney allowed the most pressures and hurries, with three in each category.
Jackson also allowed three pressures and hurries, while Garrett Bradbury and Theo Benedet both gave up two of each.
There were more concerns about the offensive line and the running game. Chicago rushed 22 times for 72 yards and averaged just 3.3 yards per carry. D'Andre Swift struggled, managing just 31 yards and an average of 2.6 yards per carry. The biggest concern from the Bears' rushing attack was that their longest run of the game was a nine-yard run by Williams.
Without a consistent running game, the Bears were forced to throw the ball 37 times, leading to Williams throwing four interceptions. That has never been, and never will be, a recipe for success for the Bears.
Part of the reason for that, though, is the offensive line struggling as badly as they did in the game. Sure, you can't put full blame on them, but the Buccaneers put a lot of pressure on Williams and bullied their way to stopping the running game from really breaking out.
Bears' bye week comes at a good time for offensive line to reset
There really isn't too much to be concerned about with the Bears' offensive line for the moment. Thuney, Jackson, and Wright are still three of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.
Where the biggest concerns are is the left tackle spot that does not have much stability to it and center Garrett Bradbury.
Theo Benedet has been holding down the left tackle position with Braxton Jones out for the season and Ozzy Trapilo is still not 100%. Benedet has been somewhat average, posting a PFF grade of 71.3, ranking 21st out of 71 offensive tackles. He's been a great run blocker dating back to last year, but his pass protection leaves a lot to be desired with 18 pressures, three quarterback hits, and one sack allowed this season.
Bradbury has been okay, but has allowed some pressures himself. In 357 pass-blocking snaps, he has allowed 14 pressures, one quarterback hit, and one sack.
The Bears will have time this week and next to make any kind of adjustments to the offensive line and work out their issues. This is still a very good offensive line, but needs to be more consistent in certain areas. It hasn't been the best offensive line like they were last year.
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If there is any unit that can bounce back from an iffy game, it's the Bears' offensive line. They are too good to let this continue to trend downward.
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