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Chicago Bears: Numbers say James Daniels has dominated preseason

By Erik Lambert

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Iowa offensive lineman James Daniels speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Chicago Bears aren’t likely to play their starters in the preseason finale against Buffalo tonight. Suggestion? Keep out James Daniels too.

For those who don’t remember, here’s a quick recap. Daniels was the starting center at the University of Iowa the previous two years. During that time he became one of the best in the country, resulting in the Bears drafting him in the 2nd round last April. That came as a shock to many in the draft community who felt he should’ve gone in the 1st.

That was the first indication Chicago may have gotten a minor steal for their new offense under head coach Matt Nagy. All that remained was deciding whether the rookie would start right away or have to wait his turn. Thus far the results on tape have been impressive. He’s had a few notable moments where his blocking had a direct impact on an impact play for the team.

Still not totally convinced? People might be shocked to hear what the stats actually say about his performance to this point.

Both tape and stats show Daniels was superior to Eric Kush

Care to know how good the 20-year old has been to this point? According to Pro Football Focus, the center has played 144 snaps in preseason to this point. Over half, or 87 of those snap were in passing plays. Not only has Daniels committed just one penalty in that span, he also has not allowed a single hurry, pressure, hit or sack on the quarterback. None. Zero. Eric Kush, his primary competition at left guard? He’s given up three pressures, two hurries and a sack.

Again, Daniels isn’t even old enough to drink alcohol yet. Still, he already making defensive linemen irrelevant as pass rushers on a consistent basis. It’s staggering to imagine what could happen as he continues to mature. The Bears may have scored one of their biggest steals in recent memory. Especially since he’ll be under the tutelage of Harry Hiestand, one of the best offensive line coaches in the business.

The Bears have remained non-committal on their decision regarding the left guard position. This likely means it’s still up for grabs as they can’t make a final determination on whether it should be Kush or Daniels. Here’s the thing though. If the two sides are on equal footing in a competition, it’s a common NFL philosophy that you start the younger guy. He still has room to grow whereas the veteran has likely peaked. Is it really that hard? It shouldn’t be.

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