The Chicago Bears made a bold move during their 25-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, a move that could have a drastic impact on the rest of the season.
Bears tackle Theo Benedet made the start at right tackle, with Darnell Wright not playing in the game with an elbow injury. While he had some trouble with Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby, Bears left tackle Braxton Jones was struggling even more.
That prompted the team to move Benedet to left tackle and rookie second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo to take over at right tackle. After that point, the offense began to roll, ultimately leading to the win.
Benedet finished the game with 68 total snaps, allowing just two hurries, and both were when he was at right tackle and caused by Crosby. This performance certainly had the wheels turning in Bears head coach Ben Johnson's mind about a change.
On Tuesday, The Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs had a source tell him the Bears are leaning towards Benedet taking over at left tackle over Jones after the bye week. This would be a move that all Bears fans would agree needs to be done, but do they know enough about him to be consident he can get the job done?
Let the franchise quarterback give some insights
Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and Benedet were both rookies in the NFL last year, but on very different levels. Williams was the number one overall pick from USC, while Benedet was an undrafted rookie from Canada.
The two have worked together in the same offense for over a year and have gotten to know each other. Williams, while speaking with the media on Tuesday, had high compliments on Benedet as a person and a player.
"Yeah, it's been fun being around Theo. Personality-wise, I don't know if you get to be around him as much as I do, obviously, but his personality is great. Awesome, awesome human outside of football, and when you get on the football field, he's always willing to learn. I think he's grown tremendously and I think as a develop of his body, but also mentally about football, he's grown tremendously. Kudos to him and having that mindset of 'I'm going to keep growing. I'm not in a position where I want to be in. When my opportunity comes, that's when I'll shine.'"
Everyone knows there will be some bumps along the way with Benedet, but the potential is there. Johnson saw it in training camp as well, as it appeared he wanted to name Benedet the starter at left tackle, but didn't get enough reps there to earn it.
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With the support of Johnson and Williams, Benedet has a chance to run with the left tackle position and keep it for a long time. At least that's what Bears fans want to happen.