Chicago Bears: 5 Reasons They Go Worst To First

Offensive Line

Scan through the archives of NFL history for successful teams and they often have the same thing in common with each other.  They all had really good offensive lines.  The 1985 Bears had arguably the best in franchise history.  Great fronts are built on a mixture of talent, toughness, intelligence and camaraderie.  GM Ryan Pace seems to have struck that delicate balance with his construction of the new Bears front.

Headlining the group of course is Kyle Long, their three-time Pro Bowl star who returns to his old position at right guard where he was dominant in 2014.  Next to him will be Bobbie Massie at right tackle, a friend he knows well and who enjoyed a solid run of success in Arizona.  On the other side is Hroniss Grasu at center.  Many still criticize him for his struggles last year, but it’s important to remember he was a rookie who wasn’t supposed to be starting.  He’s now more experienced and by last reports has bulked up to 310 lbs to better handle the strong interior defenders he’ll be seeing.

At left guard, barring a surprise will be 2nd round pick Cody Whitehair whom many experts graded as the best overall offensive lineman in the draft based on versatility, intelligence and near-perfect technique.  That leaves Charles Leno Jr. at left tackle.  He doesn’t have many believers yet, but he’s just 24-years old, big, athletic and seemed to hold his own in his first year as a starter last season.  This is a strong group that should only get better with time.

Next: Twin Towers