The Chicago Bears offensive line was supposed to be a strength in 2019. Everybody had good reasons to think so. Most of its members were still under the age of 30. All five starters from the previous year were returning. Everything was lining up from both a talent and a continuity standpoint. Yet somehow the group regressed in a big way. More penalties, more injuries, and more sloppy play.
Perhaps the most disheartening part of the entire affair is the running game. The Bears rank 29th in rushing this season. That is not something this franchise is used to by any stretch of the imagination. The last time it got that bad was way back in 2009. Matt Forte, coming off a then-record rookie season in 2008, managed just 929 yards at 3.6 per carry. Chicago finished 7-9 that year. The fallout of that year brought significant changes to the offense the following offseason. Especially up front.
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune spoke to a scout from another team about the Bears' rushing issues. He was rather blunt in explaining the cause.
The offensive line hasn't been strong enough.
“It’s hard to say,” said one NFC scout who has watched the Bears. “The line has not played great. I think the left guard (James Daniels) has regressed. The guy they’re playing with now at right guard (Rashaad Coward) has struggled. So it’s not a great run-blocking line. They have had their moments with (Montgomery). He’s more of a power guy, but he’s in the shotgun all the time and he dances a lot...
...Teams can put eight in the box or they can stop it with seven because the line isn’t blocking great. They ran well against Dallas. I think the back is a good player, but who knows? They don’t move anyone and he’s not a guy who can really create on his own.”
Chicago Bears offensive line could be due for a shakeup
Harsh words but also hard to argue with. Too often the line was pushed around and unable to establish their control of the line of scrimmage. David Montgomery had little room to operate and thus has struggled. This has led many people to call for significant changes when the season ends. While that would make sense in a simple world, the Bears aren't in the best position to do something like that.
Charles Leno and Bobby Massie both have contract situations that are almost impossible to remove without a trade of some kind. That is unlikely. James Daniels and Cody Whitehair are also cemented on the interior. This leaves only one spot that can actually be considered wide open for changes. That is the right guard. Is it possible for a change at just one spot to alter the makeup of an offensive line that much?
Technically yes, but it won't be easy. Especially with limited cap space and no 1st round pick to work with.
