Chicago Bears Training Camp: Previewing the offensive line
Chicago Bears Offensive Guards
Right guard James Daniels had a fairly good season. Well, he did once he moved back to guard. The Chicago Bears decided to move him and Cody Whitehair during training camp. That move was a bad one.
Daniels struggled at center, trying to call the blocking scheme. Trubisky, having troubles himself, could not help Daniels. Whitehair, already having a rapport with Trubisky, as well as experience calling the blocking scheme, was a better fit.
Once the Bears coaches switched the linemen back, the offensive line play improved. Whitehair called a good game and Daniels did a good job of blocking at guard.
This season, Daniels will play left guard all season. That will help the line immensely. Daniels will solidify the left side of the line and that hopefully helps the offense.
There could be a question on the other side, however. With Long not being there anymore, the Bears need a replacement. Long was a fan-favorite and whoever replaces him will have big shoes to fill.
The Bears say there will be a competition for Long’s replacement. They signed free agent Germain Ifedi and have Rashaad Coward, last season’s starter in place of the injured Long. Additionally, Alex Bars, who spent most of last season playing back into shape after suffering an ACL/MCL injury in 2018, is in the mix. Bars was considered a second-round prospect before his injury. How fully healthy, he’s ready to contribute.
The Bears hope that Ifedi ends up winning the competition. He is a load, and he has incredible strength. He was the Seattle Seahawks’ first-round pick (31st overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft, but the Seahawks moved him over to tackle. Quickness and athleticism isn’t his strong suit so he struggled at right tackle. When he played guard in his rookie season, he performed well. The Bears hope moving back to that position helps him play well again.
No matter who wins the guard battle, the Chicago Bears look to have strengthened the guard position for 2020.