Post by Deleted on Sept 6, 2016 16:35:50 GMT -6
What to expect from the Bears' offensive line in Week 1 versus Texans
Oct 19, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA;
By: Bryan Perez | 6 hours ago
The Chicago Bears 2016 preseason was one to forget. After winning only the last, and most meaningless, contest versus the Browns, the Bears faced questions about their struggling offensive line and if they’d be able to keep Jay Cutler upright during the 2016 regular season.
Facing J.J. Watt and the Houston Texans in Week 1 will be the ultimate early test for the position group.
General manager Ryan Pace may have saved the season by jumping out of the gate and signing Josh Sitton, the suddenly available All-Pro offensive guard who was cut by the Green Bay Packers. Sitton’s addition strengthens the interior of the line and should go a long way in keeping Watt at bay.
Here’s how the starting offensive line should look against Houston:
Left Tackle – Charles Leno, Jr.
Leno started the preseason as the presumptive weakest link on the offensive line but has since become the second-most predictable player on the unit aside from Kyle Long.
Left Guard – Josh Sitton
It feels good just to type that out. Sitton and Long are now one of the NFL’s elite guard tandems. A big, strong and experienced All-Pro like Sitton is exactly what Chicago will need to hold off Watt and the rest of the Texans’ imposing defensive front.
Center – Ted Larsen
Larsen is likely to begin the season as the starter as rookie Cody Whitehair’s growth and development continues. Larsen is a respectable journeyman-type player who can give the Bears a solid month’s worth of starts before Whitehair takes the job for good.
Right Guard – Kyle Long
Long is the leader of the offensive line and, armed with a new four-year contract extension, is quickly becoming the face of the franchise. The Bears will run an awful lot of Jeremy Langford behind Long in Week 1.
Right Tackle – Bobby Massie
The free-agent addition had an up-and-down preseason. Cutler better say a quick prayer or two any time Watt lines up against Massie. For as bad as Massie is as a pass protector, he’s a really good run blocker and, paired with Long on the right side, should open some gaping holes for Langford and company.
