Bears Offensive Line In ‘07: Offensive

Posted by Eric Cook on April 5th, 2008 filed in Bear Insight, Draft, Features, Game Stories, Inside The Bears, Notes & Observations, Opinions

1 Word Describing Performance Of Bears OL - Offensive: I was sitting at home last night and decided to watch a Bears game from last season on TIVO. It was the thrilling, 37-34 OT triumph between the Bears/Broncos. While watching the game a few things really jumped out at me, but none more obvious than how bad our offensive line played. Fred Miller was atrocious, while Rex Grossman was running for his life. The only bright spot was when Miller was benched in favor of John St. Clair, who did a really good job for the rest of the game. Nonetheless, we still could not protect the passer, and there were only a couple of runs where we actually opened a decent hole against Denver’s average defensive line.

Problem Spots On D: Our defensive line was porous to say the least, we were caught out of position on countless plays and were gashed for big gains in the run department I also realized that Adam Archuletta needs to retire (TRUE!), and Ricky Manning Jr. can’t be left out on an island against a legit #1 or #2 receiver.

Playmakers On Offense: Once again I was impressed by the “Windy City Flyer” Devin Hester, who returned both a punt and a kick to the crib. Words cannot even begin to describe #23, as he is so dynamic and explosive in, and out of his cuts, returning kicks. Along with Hester’s brilliance, I watched a crucial third down play and found myself hoping that we keep Rashied Davis for another season. Also, I was reminded by how tough Adrian Peterson actually is and how much I like him in our backfield. Peterson is a straight-up, classic football player - plain and simple - I want him back sharing the load with whoever the team drafts or gets in free agency. Adrian had two or three runs particularly where he moved the pile, one which was a plow-through into the end zone for six. When have we ever witnessed that with Cedric “the injury-prone Bust” Benson? The former Georgia Southern record holder is also a serious receiving threat out of the backfield, as he collected 5 receptions for 42 yards (2nd highest) in that game

Final Conclusion/Thoughts: After watching this battle, I most of all went away wondering how we could consider any other position even remotely as important or vital to the team as the offensive line. We could neither run the ball nor protect the passer, not to mention all the holding calls, with one drive specifically. Where our offense started on Denver’s 16, and by third down we needed a 17-yard gain just to get back into field goal range after the series of holding calls! To add more injury to insult, Chicago was the fifth-most flagged team in the league offensively last year and they gave up the 9th most sacks. Our offense coughed up the third highest amount in fumbles, finished a laughable 30th in rushing yards (83.1), and to top it all off, ranked dead last in yards per carry (3.4, highest Bears RB average).

Reviewing OL Need - Key To Offense: The dismal offensive line of 2007 could make the other Adrian Peterson look pedestrian! Another running back won’t fix our rushing problems. While neither quarterback is pushing for a first ballot Hall of Fame nomination, we will never know what they are capable of until we give them time to drop back, set their feet, and throw downfield. Devin Hester will have no impact on the passing game whatsoever if by the time he gets past his man, our quarterback is on his backside.

Earnest Plea: Please, Mr. Angelo draft need first, not the best athlete available. There is no other position as monumental to the future/success of this team than the Offensive Line - None!