Chicago Bears: What to look for in Week 3 matchup vs Houston Texans
Will the swapping on the offensive line continue?
One of the biggest concerns entering the season for the Chicago Bears has been the offensive line. Without pass protection, we cannot really see how good the quarterback situation is. Similarly, the running game cannot get going if the offensive line isn’t opening holes up.
With a young quarterback, it is imperative that the running game have some success to open up the field. If the defense has to worry about the running backs then the quarterback has more room to operate.
It all starts up front. The offensive line has to get a big push. We saw in short-yardage situations that it was difficult for the Bears to keep the chains moving or to score.
One of the things the Bears coaching staff has done this season is going with a platoon system at right guard. Lucas Patrick was supposed to be the starting center but with his snapping hand in a cast, he cannot play there. Head coach Matt Eberflus has played him together with Teven Jenkins. Each player gets a couple of snaps before the other one comes in.
After two games, Eberflus will continue with the platoon.
"It depends on where we have Lucas. If we have Lucas or outside, depending on what he can do with his thumb. I think that’ll determine what we’re gonna do. But we have to wait and see on that. I saw Lucas play well at times and I saw Teven play well."
Eberflus has to decide on one player. Neither player can get into a groove when he is plucked out after a couple of plays. He should go with Jenkins, who Eberflus originally announced as the starting right guard, and use Patrick sparingly until he is ready to start at center.
On the other hand, if Eberflus feels more confident with Patrick there, then start him and go with him.
Remember the old saying, “If you have two quarterbacks, you actually have none.” It’s the same here. Go with someone and stick with him. Then make changes accordingly. Don’t continue to put in and take out just because.