Saturday, July 5, 2014

Pre-Training Camp Positional Review: Offensive Line

There has been much debate over whether the bears offensive line was actually improved last year. Some think the improved offensive line play was the result of the ball getting out of the quarterback's hand quicker in Trestman's system. The offensive line only gave up 30 sacks last year with two rookies on the right side. Both rookies had bumps in the road especially Mills. He gave up 78 quarterback hurries which was most the on the team. Long was an alternate at the Pro Bowl last year. He does a great job of sealing linebackers at the second level but is easily shed on pulls. Long struggled to block pass rushers that took his outside shoulder. The two rookies will only improve this year as they will be adjusted to the pro game.

Slauson and Bushrod were both solid veterans for the bears last season. Both did their jobs like veterans should for a team. Coming in to this training camp do not expect much of a shake up on the offensive line. The two tackle and guard spots are locked up by Mills, Long, Slauson, and Bushrod. The only position up for grabs is the center position. The bears signed Brian De La Puente this off season and he will look push Roberto Garza for the spot.

De La Puente has familiarity with the Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer. De La Puente had his best years under Kromer with the New Orleans Saints. Another footnote on De La Puente is that he was the backup for former Chicago Bears center Olin Kreutz when Kreutz played for the Saints. De La Puente is a versatile asset for the Bears since he can play both the center and guard positions. Do expect Garza to put up a fight though. He has always been a solid mule for the Chicago Bears. Whatever has been asked of Graza he has done but at 35 years old he can only play so much longer. He signed a one year extension in February, so this could be the last rodeo for the dependable mule in the trenches. Coming into training camp the spot is Graza's to lose. De La Puente will be a great replacement for Garza whether the time is now or later. Either way both centers can play the guard position if Slauson or Long go down with an injury. All 5 starters are returning with the possibility of a new center in De La Puente. The time in training camp will only be beneficial to the growth of the offensive line.  

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