The Chicago Bears reached the bye week at 2-2, which must feel like a minor miracle after enduring two disasters to start the season. First was the collapse on Monday night against Minnesota, followed by the devastating 52-21 loss in Detroit. However, head coach Ben Johnson forged ahead. He kept players focused. Through his tireless work, the team thumped Dallas 31-14 and engineered a 4th quarter rally to escape Las Vegas 25-24. Now with some room to breathe, Johnson appears intent on shaking things up.
It will start with a significant change to the offensive depth chart. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears will be benching left tackle Braxton Jones in favor of surprise second-year man Theo Benedet.
A source said Jones is not expected to start Oct. 13 at Washington. The situation remains fluid, and Benedet is the likely replacement.
Coaches have time this week to really dive into the situation on the offensive line, especially with spotty production in the running game. Practice is scheduled for Tuesday with lifting Wednesday before a mandatory four-day break for players...
...“I don’t think our running struggles were a reflection of D’Andre,” Johnson said. “He’s a guy that continues to run the ball very hard, even though the yards per carry aren’t where any of us wanted to be right now. He’s as frustrated as anybody. He’s very prideful in what he can do and what he brings to the table.
“I don’t feel like everybody on offense yet is pulling their weight, and that’s myself included."
The irony of this situation is wild.
For years, people have raised concerns about Jones due to his lack of anchor in pass protection. As it turns out, it was his run-blocking that did him in. The final nail in the coffin came in the 2nd quarter when the Raiders blew up D'Andre Swift for a 2-yard loss. It looked like Jones blew his assignment to pick up the defensive end, who went unblocked.
Ben Johnson isn't getting what he wanted from Jones.
That is the long and short of it. The head coach gave the incumbent starter four weeks to show he deserves to keep the job. Jones was brutal in the first two games, allowing 13 pressures. Then he had a nice game against the Dallas Cowboys. Sadly, it didn't last. He struggled the entire first half in Las Vegas. It was evident his ankle problems persisted, and Ben Johnson had seen enough. Benedet had steadily earned the trust of coaches since training camp. They love his athleticism, power, and nasty demeanor as a run blocker.
The plan seems clear. He will take over at left tackle while Darnell Wright will remain at right tackle. Some may not like this because it leaves Ozzy Trapilo with limited opportunities, but the Bears must be cautious about how much they change during a season. Replacing the left tackle is already tricky enough.
