The Chicago Bears have gotten plenty of praise for the work they've done overhauling the roster this off-season, particularly on the offensive side. Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze bolstered the wide receiving corps. Gerald Everett added pass-catching prowess at tight end. D'Andre Swift brings explosiveness as a running back. Last but not least, Caleb Williams arrived to perhaps become their fixture at quarterback. GM Ryan Poles deserves credit for such work. However, critics still found a way to nitpick the Bears' efforts. This has centered around the offensive line and the perception it is incapable of carrying its weight.
Poles seems to take exception to those comments. Not only does he think the O-line is capable of great things this season, but he also thinks it is well-equipped to handle potential injuries that may strike this season. He stated as much during his recent presser.
“I think that group has the ability to be special,” he said.
And he’s confident that lineup can take a hit.
“This is probably the best depth I’ve ever had,” Poles said. “I let one of the guys go on cut-downs, and I was like, ‘Man, you did an excellent job. I wish we could keep you here.’ He said, ‘This is the deepest room I’ve ever been a part of.’
“So we have more versatility, more depth. Shoot, we have 10 guys, so I feel comfortable. Obviously, you want your starting five to be healthy and ready to go, but I feel more confident in the depth of our offensive line than I ever have before.”
Ryan Poles isn't just blowing hot air.
Some may roll their eyes, thinking a GM is trying to cover for his players. Poles isn't somebody who does that. He actually has data to back up his claims. Last season, Bears quarterbacks were sacked 50 times, but the offensive line was credited with allowing only 26 of them. That means Justin Fields and Tyson Bagent were considered primarily responsible for the other 24. Fast forward to this preseason, and the evidence continues to mount. Across four games, the Bears allowed only one sack and 10 total pressures. Last year, it was two sacks and 22 pressures. That is a pretty noticeable improvement.
To further drive home the point, the Bears' starters allowed only two pressures in 26 snaps. Their tackles, Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright, looked outstanding. Perhaps the biggest surprise was new center Coleman Shelton, who held up quite well. Ryan Poles may not have built an elite unit. Still, this one may deserve more respect than it's getting.
