Chicago Bears: What to watch for in Week 1 vs San Francisco 49ers

Does the offensive line finally look competent?

Chicago Bears fans have moaned about the offensive line for decades. It seems that the front office continually tried to find players late in the draft and just plug them in.

Poles put an emphasis on the offensive line this offseason. He signed Lucas Patrick to be the new center (though he broke a thumb on his snapping hand early in training camp and might not play in this game), and Riley Reiff to provide help at left tackle.

Additionally, of his 11 draft picks this year, four of them were offensive linemen. Two of them made the roster, with Braxton Jones actually starting at left tackle. One other one had to go on injured reserve and another is on the practice squad.

Teven Jenkins went from being the starting left tackle to right tackle to backup tackle to third-string to finally back as right guard starter. It’s been an up-and-down offseason for him but he came out on top. The question now is if he stays on top.

We’ll get to see if this new combination is an improvement from last season. That unit gave up a league-high 58 sacks so let’s hope it does.