Chicago Bears: 3 surprises in preseason game vs. Chiefs

Bears offensive line gives up zero sacks

The offensive line of the Bears has been a topic of debate all preseason. Players like center Cody  Whitehair and rookie guard James Daniels have really struggled during training camp. This has fans calling for Whitehair and Daniels to swap positions, as Whitehair has had difficulty snapping the ball in shotgun formation this year. However, the line definitely held up on Saturday.

The offensive line didn’t allow a sack during the entire game against the Chiefs, and it’s not like the Chiefs defense lacks edge rushers. Justin Houston is one of the best pass rushers in the game, and Kansas City’s fans expect big things from linebacker Dee Ford this year. Both of those defensive studs were neutralized by an offensive line full of backups.

The only starting offensive lineman who played in Saturday’s game was guard Eric Kush, and he’s far from a lock to be starting on the line the whole season. There are still some position battles on the O-line, and the starting lineup could change. However, I was very impressed by the guys who did suit up and block the defense on Saturday.

The offensive line allowed Daniel to have time to air the ball out when he wanted. They also did a good job of forming a pocket regularly, and when it did break down Daniel made plays scrambling. Cunningham had a touchdown on the first drive of the game thanks to some key blocks, and the Bears finished the game with 141 rushing yards.

There was a pretty big question mark in terms of predicting how the offensive line would protect Trubisky and open up lanes for running back Jordan Howard this year. But with star guard Kyle Long seemingly healthy after a laundry list of injuries and some solid preseason performances, it seems as if this potential weak link could be stronger than originally thought.