The Chicago Bears are preparing for an ugly battle for the starting left tackle job. This back-and-forth skirmish is important as they get ready for the 2016 version of the NFL. Braxton Jones, who is still their presumed starter, is recovering from a fractured ankle. The Bears are still looking for enough clarity along that offensive line to keep QB Justin Williams upright. The tournament has been a launching pad for stars such as Ozzy Trapilo, Kiran Amegadjie, and Theo Benedet. All of them are vigorously competing to win a starting job.
Braxton Jones is the only player who’s made 40 consecutive starts over the last three seasons. After missing all of the spring workouts while healing from said injury, he’s set to run over his competition. Head coach Ben Johnson has been hands on in his rehab. He points to the importance of having one player clearly emerge as the starter. “We will travel as far as necessary to get the right man,” Johnson vowed. He focused on the team’s commitment to an extensive evaluation process.
Still, the 56th overall selection hasn’t looked back since impressing in spring—cuz Ozzy Trapilo has been a horse. Lately, he’s been moved back to right tackle with the second-team unit for cross-training. His versatility would help diversify the entire offensive line. It makes his climb to the starting left tackle position much tougher.
Third-round draft pick Kiran Amegadjie has struggled this season. He missed five practices due to a leg injury and missed the Bears’ first preseason game. His absence brings to light questions about whether he’s truly ready to compete in a grassroots-driven way for the position.
Theo Benedet, who spent the past season on the Bears’ practice squad, has taken big steps. He’s deserved first-team reps for the past three practices in a row. He even opened up with the first-team offense at left tackle during the very first 11-on-11 period. This effort should put him in good standing with the new coaching staff.
As training camp moves on, Braxton Jones has started to slowly return to doing more with the team. He received his first reps with the starters during a red zone session, showing signs of recovery and readiness to reclaim his starting role. “On our day off, Jones and I shared a few ideas,” stressed Dan Roushar. More than anyone, he underscored the importance of teamwork and communication, as we build towards the start of the season.
Coach Johnson still keeps an eagle eye on standards and accountability within the offensive line – just ask Coach Tony Wise! This isn’t going to be a turnstile,” he pledged. We don’t blame the administration — or, frankly, anyone — for wanting some stability in this critical position. Johnson noted that while some players have shown potential, there has been inconsistency: “We’d like to see someone go ahead and make it clear to us that he is that guy, and we just haven’t seen that yet as a staff. There’s been too much up and down.
Roushar echoed Johnson’s sentiments regarding performance standards. What I saw in practice is what you saw on Sunday. I explained to him that he had turned back into the this is whatever for him monster, but that’s not okay behavior. He drove home the point that each player’s performance affects how effective the entire offensive unit can be.
As the Bears continue their training camp, they plan to reassess the left tackle competition after a few weeks or by the bye week. The coaching staff aims to provide clarity and direction as they work toward establishing a reliable protector for quarterback Williams.
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