Chicago Bears: Kyle Long quietly regaining Pro Bowl form
By Erik Lambert
One of the biggest fears for Chicago Bears fans was that right guard Kyle Long might never regain his former status as one of the best in the NFL.
This was a guy who reached three-straight Pro Bowls during his first three seasons as a Bear. Then injuries began to strike him in waves. Everything from ankle to shoulder to finger and neck problems plagued him between 2016 and 2017. He needed multiple surgeries to correct everything this past offseason. Nobody could know for sure if his body would be able to hold up upon returning.
Early indications are promising. Long has held up really well through the first four games. He’s allowed a total of four pressures on the quarterback including a sack. Keep in mind he’s gone against guys like Mike Daniels and Gerald McCoy. These are Pro Bowl defensive linemen. All things considered, he’s held up well.
Run blocking? Pretty solid there too. Either behind him or between the center and right guard, the Bears have rushed 21 times for 84 yards and a touchdown. They’ve also converted five first downs that direction. These are all things that should be expected out of your best offensive lineman and Long has delivered.
Keep in mind Long might still not be 100% all the way back yet
The best part is it’s reasonable to think that Long hasn’t reached his full health status yet. One doesn’t recover from four offseason surgeries over the course of a few months. It takes a good year before that happens, presuming no further setbacks are suffered. This means there’s a strong possibility that Long’s play will only improve as the season goes on. Especially as he gains further comfort and experience in the Matt Nagy offense.
All things considered, it’s hard not to feel a sense of joy as a fan for him. Long has been one of the most entertaining Bears through an otherwise dark period for Chicago football. People want him to do great and be able to taste team success. He’s never once been to the playoffs in his career while having to watch his older brother win two Super Bowls. This feels like the first season where he’ll be able to get a taste of that kind of success.
Few men on that team deserve it more.