Chicago Bears lose to Denver Broncos: Offensive grades

Offensive line: C-

Though the Chicago Bears offensive line didn’t allow a sack and gave up just one tackle for loss, the performance was still a largely uneven one.

Vaunted young center Cody Whitehair especially had a tough night. On one hand, he snapped the ball over Glennon (how???) on that costly third-drive turnover. Then, though the drive did continue afterward, Whitehair committed a holding penalty that put the Bears in an unfortunate second-and-long on their fourth drive. While one probably shouldn’t be that concerned about Whitehair correcting those issues, it’s still not how you’d like to start things off.

Interestingly, though, Hroniss Grasu had a strong comeback in his first game action since 2015. Grasu, getting a shot to play with Kyle Long out, helped create Carey’s big run with a crucial block. It’s certainly important to note that he’s taking advantage his opportunity now with Eric Kush being lost for the season. And if he can prove versatile, he has a shot to make the team as a swing interior lineman.

Also, while Bobby Massie‘s name didn’t surface much last night, Charles Leno popped up a few times. Unfortunately, not for good reasons either…

Furthermore, the reserve offensive linemen gave us a mixed bag, as they have throughout training camp.

Jordan Morgan saw the field in the fourth quarter, showing his athleticism on a stretch run. Then again, he also likely could’ve been flagged for being illegally downfield on Trubisky’s final throw. So count this game as a learning experience for the fifth-round pick as he hopes to stick as a reserve.

Next: Defensive grades from preseason opener

And though the backup line executed nicely for Trubisky on his touchdown throw, they also frequently allowed pressure that converted his dropbacks into rollouts—a common theme at practice. Of course, it didn’t phase him, as he consistently delivered throws on the money whatever position he was in. But one can’t expect a rookie to thrive on every play running for his life.

Perhaps when Trubisky plays with the second unit, things will look a little bit easier for the young quarterback.