Bears Offensive Line Faces Setback in Rankings Despite Improvement
The Chicago Bears’ offensive line has experienced a surprising decline in the latest Pro Football Focus (PFF) rankings, dropping despite a season characterized by notable improvements. As Week 12 approaches, the Bears find themselves in an unexpected position, having made significant investments in their offensive line during the offseason.
Offseason Upgrades and Expectations
The Bears entered this season with a clear goal: to enhance their offensive line. They successfully revamped three of the five starting positions through trades and free agency. Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson were acquired to bolster the interior, while Drew Dalman joined the fray as well. Additionally, left tackle Theo Benedet emerged as a training camp standout, earning the starting role as the season progressed. However, despite these upgrades, Benedet has faced challenges, contributing to the team’s drop in PFF’s rankings following their Week 11 victory.
Individual Progress Amidst Struggles
Despite the overall team ranking, individual performances tell a different story. Right guard Jonah Jackson, for instance, has shown significant growth throughout the season. His performance against the Minnesota Vikings was particularly noteworthy. After allowing six pressures and earning a PFF pass-blocking grade of 22.6 in their Week 1 matchup, Jackson improved dramatically in their latest encounter, surrendering just two pressures and raising his grade to 66.9.
Darnell Wright, the Bears’ right tackle, is also having a standout season. He has notably limited pressure on quarterback Justin Fields, allowing it on only 3.7% of pass plays—an impressive statistic that marks a substantial improvement over his previous seasons.
Benedet’s Performance Under Scrutiny
While there are bright spots, Benedet’s performance has drawn criticism. His current PFF grade stands at 56.4, making him the lowest-rated offensive lineman on the Bears’ roster. In comparison, Braxton Jones, the veteran whom Benedet replaced, posted a grade of 55.5 during his time as a starter this year. Benedet’s struggles have raised questions about his ability to maintain the starting position as the season continues.
NFC North Standings and Surprising Rankings
In a twist of fate, the Bears now boast the highest-ranked offensive line in the NFC North, a development that raises eyebrows given their recent drop in overall rankings. The Detroit Lions have slipped to No. 10, while the Minnesota Vikings climbed from No. 14 to No. 12. The Green Bay Packers also made a modest gain, moving from No. 17 to No. 16.
As the Bears aim to solidify their offensive line and enhance their performance, the rankings reflect the complex dynamics of improvement amidst challenges. While the team has made strides, the road ahead will require continued development and consistency to maintain their standing as the best in their division.
