The Chicago Bears finally saw players in real action this past weekend. Yes, the preseason games don't matter, but they still hold importance. They are the best tool coaches have for evaluating which players should be on the roster and who should play on Sundays. No position has more eyeballs on it right now than left tackle. Head coach Ben Johnson had three options going into training camp. That has since narrowed to two after Kiran Amegadjie went down with an injury. Now it's between Braxton Jones and Ozzy Trapilo.
Word on the competition has been mixed. Some beat writers around the team believe Trapilo has held the inside track for most of camp, showcasing his size and maturity in promising ways. Others think Jones still has the advantage of experience and athleticism. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune made interesting comments on this subject in his latest column. Nothing is decided yet. That said, indications do point in a particular direction.
It is Jones' spot to lose.
It’s notable that Jones started the game at left tackle. He was in the game for the first three series — a total of 22 snaps.
“Honestly, it was pretty good,” Jones said. “Knowing kind of what I went through last year with the injury and everything, just blessed honestly to get an opportunity to be out on the field again and play again.”
Jones also started with the first unit on Friday during the joint practice with the Dolphins. Maybe that’s a clue as to the direction things are headed. Trapilo came in late in the second quarter and also got 22 snaps over four consecutive series before Theo Benedet, an undrafted rookie a year ago from British Columbia, got two series and then Trapilo returned to close out the game.
It’s probably Jones’ job to lose. He’s 26, entering his fourth season and has made 40 career starts. Maybe the Bears feel like, when healthy, he’s plateaued and is what he is at this point. But they surely don’t want to rush Trapilo if he’s not ready.
Braxton Jones being the choice is not surprising.
History always pointed to it. The thing about coaches is they prefer players they can trust the most. It isn't always about who's the most talented. It is who's the most reliable. Braxton Jones is who he is. He's never going to morph into the elite blocker fans might crave. However, he has at least proven himself dependable when healthy. Bears coaches must feel that Trapilo is just not ready yet. It isn't surprising. Moving from right tackle, which he played for most of college, to left tackle isn't easy. It can take time to adjust. Rather than trying to fast-track the transition, giving Jones one more year makes the most sense. It stabilizes the Bears on the left side while allowing Trapilo to develop more steadily. Come next year, they can let Jones walk in free agency and have their replacement ready, having had a full season to prepare.
