Germain Ifedi Earns High Praise From Olin Kreutz For 2021 Start

Not everything about the Chicago Bears offense has been pretty to start this season. That is hardly a shock to fans. That side of the ball underperforming seems like an annual tradition at this point. Still, this is not to say certain players haven't stood out in a positive way. David Montgomery looks even better than last year when he ran for over 1,000 yards. Darnell Mooney seems closer than ever to a breakout season. Yet the biggest surprise of all might be Germain Ifedi. When the Bears re-signed him in free agency to remain their starting right tackle, people were skeptical. While he did fine in a pinch last season after injuries struck, his track record at the position in Seattle was less than stellar. Still, offensive line coach Juan Castillo insisted people would be surprised by Ifedi's improvement. He even stated it wouldn't shock him if the 27-year old makes the Pro Bowl.

After two weeks? Nobody is laughing anymore.

Olin Kreutz included. The six-time Pro Bowler has followed the Bears offensive line through the first two weeks. One of his biggest impressions thus far is how strong Ifedi has looked at right tackle going against some pretty solid pass rushers. [video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.sportsmockery.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Olin-Kreutz-on-Germain-Ifedi.mp4"][/video] The numbers back this up too. Ifedi has played 81 pass blocking snaps this season. He has allowed just one pressure on the quarterback in that span. Keep in mind this is the same guy who allowed 52 pressures in 2019 during his final year with the Seahawks. It is crazy to think how much he has improved since then. Especially given the fact he was never supposed to play tackle when he originally signed with Chicago. The plan was for him to be a guard.

Germain Ifedi is playing with lots of motivation

Not just the desire for more respect. Don't forget he is operating on a one-year contract. This year marks what could be his last and best opportunity to secure a lucrative extension. If he finishes as well as he's started, then somebody is going to pay him big money to be their bookend right tackle for the future. Could that team end up being the Bears? That is a bit of a loaded question. It seems like an obvious move for the team to lock him up if he delivers a strong year. However, don't forget the team drafted two young tackles this past April. Larry Borom looks like he might have a bright future on the left side. If so, that means the team could end up moving 2nd round pick Teven Jenkins back to his natural spot at right tackle. That puts Chicago in a tricky spot. Do they pay Germain Ifedi to stay put or do they gamble on the youngster?

It's a decision being made harder with each good game he delivers.

Bigger challenges lay ahead though. Ifedi will have to tangle with some really good pass rushers in the near future including Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, Shaq Barrett, and T.J. Watt. It will be interesting to see what the narrative is on him after once the bye week arrives.