After the NFL draft this past weekend most fans, by most I mean 99.9%, wanted the Bears to draft an offensive lineman in the first few rounds. Personally figured they would go offensive lineman in round two or three. We all knew they were going defensive line or wide receiver with the first pick, all signs pointed out to defensive end. I wish they would have drafted an offensive lineman at some point in the draft, would have preferred second or third round. I am not also up in arms about them not taking an offensive lineman at all during the draft. The Bears like who they have at the position, at least publicly. This is what Lovie Smith had to said on Saturday, "We as a coaching staff are going to try and put the players in a better position, adding Chris and Gabe to the mix. There's a period of time, as you might have forgotten, during the season, when we played pretty good ball on the offensive line."I have heard people say that Mike Tice loves J’Marcus Webb. Webb has shown flashes of a good player since he first started playing in the NFL, but he does not give 100% effort all the time. Webb is not a star left tackle by any means. Tice also likes the group as a whole. They bears did add some depth to the position this offseason they signed G Chilo Rachal from the 49ers, who has played in all but one game since he enter the league in 2009. In 2010 the Bears had a guard playing right tackle, a center playing right guard, a guard playing center at left tackle playing guard. Only Webb was in the spot he was penciled in as to start the season. Also, they were down 2 starters from almost the start of the season.
The Bears also feel that the change in play calling will have an effect on the offensive line. Which is something that I agree with, the one thing everyone knows you get with Mike Martz is your team will give up sacks. So with Martz gone ideally there should be fewer sacks. Also, Tice will make protection calls based on what he feels the offensive line is comfortable with and can execute. Cutler will also have the ability to audible to the right play call and protection.
Also, with weapon(s) on the outside teams will not be able to load up the box and play man outside every passing situation. Teams will need to either double Marshall or roll coverage to his side. If Alshon Jeffery, Bears second round pick can produce a little bit that will also help. With Marshall and Jeffery on the outside Devin Hester moves to the slot where he has been the most productive since he joins the Bears. Hester is able to produce more in the slot because it is much harder to jam him when he is off the ball. Teams also have to respect him because he is a deep threat.
Not that an of these reasons fix the talent level of the players on the offensive line, but these do take pressure of them as a unit. I should be better in 2012 than they were in 2011.
