It’s finally happening. After months of calling for a change to be made, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson did it.
Marquee Sports Network’s Scott Bair reported that Johnson confirmed that there will be a change made to the offensive line. Theo Benedet has been named as the starter at left tackle for their Week 6 showdown against the Washington Commanders. Braxton Jones had started the first four games, but it had been rumored for over a week that he would be benched.
Jones struggled in the Bears-Las Vegas Raiders game at left tackle, resulting in the Bears moving Benedet from right tackle to left tackle. Rookie Ozzy Trapilo went from the bench to right tackle as he and Benedet were covering for the injured Darnell Wright. That move paid off as Chicago pulled off a 25-24 win over the Raiders.
Big change by Johnson will only help the Bears out
All season, Jones had struggled at left tackle with inconsistent play and being beaten off the edge on pass protection. Jones posted a PFF overall grade of 55, ranking 75th out of 112 tackles eligible in the NFL.
The change now gives Johnson his original first choice at left tackle. During training camp, Benedet came in late in the left tackle position battle, but since he didn’t have enough time, Johnson gave Jones the edge in the competition.
Chicago’s other big offensive line question now comes with Wright’s status with his elbow injury. Should he not be ready to go, Trapilo will most likely make his first career start at the position.
Johnson hopes that Benedet will not only be able to make an impact in pass protection, but help with one of the NFL’s weakest rushing attacks. His size at 6-foot-7, 304 pounds fits the body type that would work at left tackle, but it will be a matter of whether he can move like one should.
Read more: Ben Johnson needed just four games with Bears to rank among top NFL head coaches
Benedet will face tough competition as he goes up against edge rusher Von Miller and the Commanders.
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