The Chicago Bears are engaged in a critical competition for the left tackle position as they prepare to protect rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
Why it matters: The effectiveness of the left tackle will significantly impact Williams's development and the overall offensive performance as the Bears transition into a new era.
With a promising rookie behind center, solidifying protection on his blind side is paramount for both player confidence and team success.
What’s new: The Bears have intensified their evaluation process for the starting left tackle position, having completed 17 training camp practices focused specifically on this role.
Jones has accumulated 40 starts over three seasons but missed vital spring workouts due to a fractured ankle.
Trapilo started 10 games at left tackle last season and possesses experience at right tackle, with 24 starts since 2023.
Benedet has shown promise, logging 32 snaps at right tackle and 13 snaps at left tackle in a recent preseason game against Miami.
Between the lines: Coach Ben Johnson emphasizes the importance of clarity in this competition, noting, "We'll go as long as we need to go to find the right guy."
The coaching staff seeks a candidate who can decisively claim the position rather than rotating multiple players throughout the season.
What to watch: As the regular season approaches, the Bears' strategy may evolve based on early performances.
Johnson hinted at the possibility of reassessing the left tackle situation after two weeks or by the bye week if no clear frontrunner emerges.
The bottom line: The Bears must strike a balance between immediate performance and nurturing Williams’s growth.
Establishing a reliable left tackle now could set the tone for future success, making this decision one of the most impactful in the early stages of the upcoming season.
The Chicago Bears are engaged in a critical competition for the left tackle position as they prepare to protect rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
Why it matters: The effectiveness of the left tackle will significantly impact Williams's development and the overall offensive performance as the Bears transition into a new era.
With a promising rookie behind center, solidifying protection on his blind side is paramount for both player confidence and team success.
What’s new: The Bears have intensified their evaluation process for the starting left tackle position, having completed 17 training camp practices focused specifically on this role.
Jones has accumulated 40 starts over three seasons but missed vital spring workouts due to a fractured ankle.
Trapilo started 10 games at left tackle last season and possesses experience at right tackle, with 24 starts since 2023.
Benedet has shown promise, logging 32 snaps at right tackle and 13 snaps at left tackle in a recent preseason game against Miami.
Between the lines: Coach Ben Johnson emphasizes the importance of clarity in this competition, noting, "We'll go as long as we need to go to find the right guy."
The coaching staff seeks a candidate who can decisively claim the position rather than rotating multiple players throughout the season.
What to watch: As the regular season approaches, the Bears' strategy may evolve based on early performances.
Johnson hinted at the possibility of reassessing the left tackle situation after two weeks or by the bye week if no clear frontrunner emerges.
The bottom line: The Bears must strike a balance between immediate performance and nurturing Williams’s growth.
Establishing a reliable left tackle now could set the tone for future success, making this decision one of the most impactful in the early stages of the upcoming season.
