Chicago Bears: 5 X-factor players for Week 8 vs. Saints

5. The offensive line must stand up and play well

The offensive line needs to show some pride, finally. They’ve had their struggles this season, but they were thoroughly embarrassed by the Rams. Charles Leno Jr. was a turnstile. Rashaad Coward thought he could block better lying on the ground instead of standing up. Germain Ifedi looked like a child against Aaron Donald. Bobby Massie had trouble handling Leonard Floyd, of all players.

Meanwhile, Cody Whitehair, the supposed leader of the offensive line and the caller of the blocking schemes, looked like Mitchell Trubisky trying to read the defense. There were too many pass rushers getting through cleanly, affecting Nick Foles‘ ability to step into throws.

While the other linemen caught the most flack, Whitehair had a really bad game. Then he hurt his calf and is now a question mark for this week’s game (though it sounds like he’ll be ready to go by Sunday).

Legendary Chicago Bears center Olin Kreutz had some strong words concerning Whitehair, via Bears Wire:

"Part of the Bears’ problems is when you watch their film is that Cody’s not doing a very good job recognizing these run blitzes coming at them. If you watch the Tampa Bay game, Alex Bars comes in and he slides away from Alex Bars immediately. To me, that’s a problem. We talk about Mitch Trubisky having awareness, same thing at the center position. You have to be aware of everything that’s going on around him."

The same thing happened with Coward against the Rams. When Donald moved over to Coward’s side, Whitehair failed to get some help for the converted defensive lineman. Yes, the line is mediocre, but if they were given better blocking assignments they perhaps play better.

If Whitehair can’t go the Bears will have Sam Mustipher in his place. Depending on how he plays, this could be a blessing in disguise. If Mustipher shows he could handle the position, then maybe the Bears move Whitehair over to left guard. That might be the only option since the Bears coaches don’t want to use Alex Bars and they don’t want to trade for someone else.

Whitehair likely plays on Sunday. If he does, he needs to step up and do a better job of operating the line.