Chicago Bears Offensive Line Earns Shockingly High End-of-Year Ranking from Pro Football Focus
In a season where expectations were high for the Chicago Bears but their performance often left fans questioning the team’s direction, one unit stood out in a way many did not anticipate—the Bears’ offensive line. Despite a turbulent season filled with ups and downs, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has awarded the Bears’ offensive line a surprisingly high ranking for the 2024 season, earning praise for its performance and improvement across the board. This recognition marks a significant turnaround for a position group that has been criticized for much of the past decade.
The Bears’ offensive line, often one of the most scrutinized positions on any football team, is finally being recognized for its strong play. PFF, known for its detailed analysis and advanced metrics, has ranked Chicago’s offensive line among the top in the league, which is a surprising development considering the team’s overall struggles on offense.
The Transformation of the Bears’ Offensive Line
For years, the Bears’ offensive line had been a major point of contention. Poor pass protection, struggles with creating running lanes, and frequent injuries have plagued the group for seasons. However, the 2024 season marked a noticeable shift. With new personnel, improved coaching, and a commitment to solidifying the trenches, Chicago’s offensive line has made a significant leap.
A critical factor in this transformation has been the continuity and development of key players. The Bears have focused on retaining and nurturing their young talent, allowing for more cohesion and familiarity among the unit. This stability has led to improved communication and execution, particularly in pass protection, which has been one of the biggest concerns in previous seasons.
Key Contributors to the Line’s Success
Several players have stood out as key contributors to the Bears’ offensive line renaissance. Among them, Teven Jenkins has emerged as one of the team’s top performers, earning recognition for his ability to both protect the quarterback and open up holes in the running game. Jenkins has been a fixture on the line, providing a strong, reliable presence that has allowed other players to flourish.
Braxton Jones, the second-year tackle, has also garnered praise for his development, taking on a larger role and significantly improving his technique. Jones has been consistent on the left side, and his ability to hold his own against some of the NFL’s best pass rushers has played a huge part in the line’s overall success.
On the interior, Cody Whitehair has continued to be a steady anchor, bringing leadership and experience to the group. His ability to manage the middle of the line, both in terms of pass protection and run blocking, has helped maintain balance in the offense.
Finally, the addition of Nate Davis from free agency has been a major plus for the offensive line. The veteran guard’s ability to provide toughness and consistency has been a welcome asset, bringing stability to the right side and allowing for more effective play calling on that side of the ball.
Improving Pass Protection and Run Blocking
One of the key areas of improvement for the Bears’ offensive line has been their enhanced pass protection. The group has consistently given Justin Fields more time in the pocket, allowing him to read defenses and make plays downfield. This is a marked improvement from previous seasons, where Fields was frequently under duress and forced to scramble. The addition of Jenkins and Jones, along with the continued development of the line’s cohesion, has helped give Fields the time he needs to develop as a passer.
The offensive line has also done a much better job in the run game, particularly when creating lanes for Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson. Chicago’s offensive philosophy has always leaned toward a strong, physical running game, and the line’s ability to open up running lanes has been key to their success. The Bears have returned to their roots as a team that thrives on power running, and the offensive line’s ability to establish the run has been a major factor in their offensive success.
PFF’s High Ranking
Pro Football Focus’ ranking of the Bears’ offensive line came as a surprise to many who were expecting a group that still had holes to fill. However, PFF’s analysis of the line’s performance throughout the season was overwhelmingly positive. The team was ranked among the top 10 offensive lines in the league, a remarkable feat considering the struggles of recent years.
PFF’s grading system takes into account various factors such as run blocking, pass protection, and individual player performance. The Bears’ offensive line excelled in nearly all categories, particularly in terms of pass blocking efficiency. Their ability to protect the quarterback while allowing for a steady running game made them stand out as one of the most balanced offensive lines in the NFL.
The Impact on Justin Fields and the Offense
The Bears’ offensive line play has had a profound effect on the development of quarterback Justin Fields. Fields, who entered the league with high expectations, has struggled at times due to inconsistent protection from his line. However, with a much-improved offensive line in front of him, Fields has had more time to process defenses and execute the offense. His growth as a passer is a direct reflection of the improved protection and better run-blocking schemes that have allowed him to settle into his role.
For the Bears’ offense as a whole, the offensive line’s improvement has opened up more possibilities in both the passing and running games. The Bears can now play to their strengths, whether it’s running the ball behind a tough offensive front or allowing Fields to make plays in the passing game with more time in the pocket. The offensive line has been key in giving the entire offense a chance to flourish, which bodes well for the future of the team.
Looking Ahead: Can the Bears Maintain This Level of Play?
The big question now is whether the Bears’ offensive line can maintain this high level of play going forward. While the 2024 season has been a success for the group, the NFL is always evolving, and the competition will only get tougher. The Bears will need to ensure that their offensive line stays healthy, continues to improve, and adapts to the challenges posed by some of the league’s best defenses.
One of the biggest challenges will be keeping quarterback Justin Fields protected. While the line has been solid, the Bears will need to make sure they don’t take a step back in future seasons. Depth and consistency will be key to ensuring that this unit remains among the best in the league.