The Chicago Bears offensive line has performed well in the preseason, much to the surprise of people who were sure it was the weakest link on the team. Part of the panic came from training camp reports about them struggling to protect Caleb Williams against the team's starting defense. As it turns out, that may have come from the obvious talent on their defensive line, along with Matt Eberflus' unusually aggressive blitzing. Whatever the case, their quarterbacks have been well-protected for the most part across all four preseason appearances. In fact, only one player gave up a sack. That was Nate Davis.
Everybody knows the story at this point. Chicago signed the veteran to a lucrative three-year contract last offseason, hoping he could help solidify their interior. Instead, they've gotten somebody who can't stay healthy and is surrounded by questions about his work ethic and commitment to the game. This has led to a minor panic. People fear the Bears may have to seek an emergency depth option at guard in case Davis once again can't stay on the field.
As it turns out, the team may have already stumbled onto that based on how the preseason has gone.
Bill Murray showed he deserves a shot at Nate Davis' job.
No offensive lineman has performed better over the past month than the fourth-year veteran. Murray was an undrafted free agent in 2020 for the New England Patriots. He actually started out as a defensive tackle but shifted to offensive line in 2022. His improvement after that first year was hard to ignore, but the Patriots chose to let him walk last year. Chicago brought him onto their practice squad, where he stayed for the entire 2023 season. Now, he's had the best preseason of any offensive lineman in the NFL.
In 67 pass-blocking snaps, Murray has not allowed a single pressure. Keep in mind that 27 of those blocks were one-on-one. That is good for a 90.4 grade, which is the best among all guards in the NFL. It hasn't been a one-trick pony thing either. Murray also has an 86.0 grade as a run blocker. He's been great in all phases. Eberflus mentioned him as a training camp standout even before the preseason began. That clearly wasn't a fluke. The guy is playing some excellent football.
Nate Davis will keep his job for the time being, but rest assured, the Bears have options if he falters again. It won't just be trade acquisition Ryan Bates. Murray can ball, too.
