Sam Mustipher Could Start Sunday For The Bears. Is That Bad? (No)

The Chicago Bears offensive line is in crisis. One doesn't need to be a rocket scientist to recognize that. They were systematically demolished on Monday night in Los Angeles. David Montgomery failed again to get anything going on the ground. Nick Foles was pressured all night and sacked four times. Just an ugly, ugly affair. If that weren't bad enough, injury got added to insult towards the end of the game. Starting center Cody Whitehair walked off the field and straight to the locker room with what was later revealed to be a calf injury. This forced Sam Mustipher into the lineup. While not expected to be a long-term issue, there are concerns that Whitehair won't be available on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. This has sent some people into a panic. First James Daniels and now Whitehair. Their two best interior blockers out against a pretty good defensive front in the Saints.

Would the Bears dare stay with Mustipher as the plan?

That seems to be the case. Offensive coordinator Bill Lazor made it clear the second-year former undrafted free agent is ready for the opportunity. They have confidence he'll be able to handle it. A bold move considering Mustipher wasn't even on the main roster until recently. What exactly should people expect? One thing about Mustipher is he's not unfamiliar with this position. His ascent to the NFL essentially began because a teammate once got hurt at Notre Dame. That led him to become a fixture for the Irish offensive line across three years. During that time he didn't miss a single start and became known both for his technical savvy and solid pass protection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2Y7wJEyEMU&ab_channel=IrishIllustrated

Sam Mustipher overcomes attributes with attitude

The kid is a solid athlete. He moves well in space, able to pull and pick off linebackers at the second level. Making protection calls at the line was something he did all the time. Leadership was never a question and he earned a reputation for being tough and gritty. Erik McCoy, the starting center for the New Orleans Saints, was a big admirer back in college. One thing that stood out right away?

“I’ve just watched him play personally, and I think (Mustipher) has a nice nasty streak. He plays real mean.”

That is something missing from the Bears offensive line of late. So knowing all this, it begs the question. If Sam Mustipher was this capable at a major program in college football, why wasn't he drafted? The simple answer is his measurables. Teams weren't overly blown away by what he offered physically. Mustipher came in at around 6'2 and 300 lbs, which is undersized for the NFL. His 5.59 in the 40-yard dash at his pro day also didn't help his case. Teams weren't willing to spend a draft pick on a prospect they felt had limited upside.

The Bears though wanted him in Chicago.

Offensive line coach Harry Hiestand knew Sam Mustipher the player and the person from their time together at Notre Dame. He understood exactly what the kid could and couldn't do. Still, he encouraged the team to sign him anyway. That is a strong vote of confidence from a guy who's molded some outstanding blockers in his career. Mustipher isn't going to blow anybody away physically. However, if it's toughness, stability, and attitude you're looking for. This kid will bring it.