Chicago Bears: 5 Offensive X-factors for second half of 2017 season
2. Kyle Long, OL
From the moment he stepped on the field for the Chicago Bears, Kyle Long has been a beast for the offensive line. In the past couple of season, however, things changed. He’s been through some injuries and spent more time in the trainer’s room than on the field.
More from Chicago Bears
- Chicago Bears HC Matt Eberflus speaks on a number of team issues
- Roschon Johnson showing he can be Chicago Bears RB1
- Lingering free agent could be an absolute godsend for Chicago Bears
- Chicago Bears: Should Tyson Bagent be the backup quarterback?
- Chicago Bears: 3 replacements if Justin Fields isn’t the answer
In order for the Bears offensive line to solidify, Long needs to be in there. He is the anchor, the one who puts everything in order. However, he cannot do that from the sideline. Long feels the same way.
He injured his knuckles on the Bears’ first drive against the Saints in Week 8 and needed to leave the game. He didn’t want to leave, however, and was visibly upset going to the locker room. Later in the game, he came back and stood on the sideline in full uniform, even though he never got into the game. He knows how important he is to the line and that he needs to be on the field.
Long needs to stay on the field. With him on the field, the line just seems more settled. With him away, it looks messy. He gives the line the mean streak it needs. In that Saints game, he got into a skirmish on a play even though he wasn’t playing.
A healthy Kyle Long helps the Bears improve their passing offense. Also, it helps make Howard’s and Cohen’s jobs easier. Add those two together and you have more wins.