The Chicago Bears are hoping for a strong offseason with strong results in the regular season. The team is in a honeymoon period with new head coach Ben Johnson, hoping that he can turn the team into a juggernaut like he did with the Detroit Lions offense.
Of course, the success relies on quarterback Caleb Williams, but he was given no help at the line of scrimmage to provide protection. Hence why general manager Ryan Poles overhauled the offensive line this offseason with Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman. But the big question was who would start the season at left tackle to protect Williams' blind side.
On Tuesday, Johnson announced that Braxton Jones has retained the starting left tackle job and will be ready to go for the team's season-opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
Bears fans may not be entirely sold as the starting left tackle option for Chicago, and their feelings could get more dire if he doesn't play well against the Vikings. Specifically, against Vikings pass rusher Jonathan Greenard.
A poor showing by Braxton Jones in Week 1 could push Bears fans over the edge
Greenard is not only Minnesota's top pass rusher, but also one of the best in the league in terms of getting to and pressuring the opposing quarterback. According to the NFL Next Gen Stats (via Alec Lewis of The Athletic), Greenard's 69 pressures ranked seventh-most in the league, and his 12 sacks ranked fifth-most in the league.
), Greenard's 69 pressures ranked seventh-most in the league and his 12 sacks ranked fifth-most in the league.
Jones, meanwhile, didn't fare too well last season. In 12 games, Jones had the second-highest pressure rate allowed among all left tackles, with 12.4 percent. That's not the most promising of statistics, especially for Bears fans not completely sold on Jones as the starting left tackle.
Jones had to face off against Greenard in their Week 12 matchup last season. Jones allowed two pressures and one sack on 22 pass blocking snaps.
Feels relevant (courtesy of @NextGenStats) pic.twitter.com/OF7746vCi4
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) September 2, 2025
While there was a de facto competition for the left tackle spot this summer, Jones won out. Rookies Ozzy Trapilo, Kiran Amegadije, and Theo Benedet all competed for the role, but Jones got the most reps with the first team. Ultimately, there was little doubt that he won the competition.
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The thing is, the calls for either Trapilo, Amegadije, or Benedet will grow throughout the season if Jones doesn't live up to the hype. That could very well begin if he has a poor outing against the Vikings on Monday Night Football. Bears fans are just looking for a reason for hope after a rough couple of years. They don't want another prime-time matchup ending in embarrassment.