Braxton Jones May Have Just Cost Himself The Left Tackle Job

Since he was drafted in 2022, Braxton Jones has remained the unquestioned left tackle for the Chicago Bears. He'd earned that right as a former 5th round pick who'd played his way onto the field. However, his good fortune took a turn last season when he broke his tibia, forcing him to miss the rest of the year. People feared he might not be ready for training camp. Matters were made worse when the Bears selected Ozzy Trapilo in the 2nd round of the draft. Suddenly, that left tackle job felt up for grabs.

To his credit, Jones recovered in time for camp. He, Trapilo, and Kiran Amegadjie spent the next two weeks rotating reps with the first team. When Jones got the nod to start the preseason opener against Miami, it felt like a sign that maybe he might survive after all. Unfortunately, it wasn't his greatest showing. Chicago stalled on multiple drives. When they finally scored in the 2nd quarter, it was done largely despite Jones, who had one of the ugliest whiff blocks in recent memory on Tyson Bagent's touchdown throw.

Braxton Jones could not afford a highlight like that.

Remember, head coach Ben Johnson has said he will give the starting job to whomever he trusts the most as a pass protector. When you allow a backup defender to completely punk you like that, it won't go unnoticed by this staff. It was an inexcusable blown assignment. Braxton Jones has insisted he's healthy. If he was telling the truth, then that mistake is entirely his fault. Getting beaten to the outside is one thing. Inside is something good left tackles never allow. While the competition is likely not over yet, that moment will surely stick in the minds of Johnson and offensive line coach Dan Roushar as they work towards a final decision. If Trapilo delivers a clean performance to go with his strong camp, it will be an easy one.