The Chicago Bears won another nail-biter 25-24 on Monday Night Football against the Washington Commanders. Although the game shouldn't have been that close, it was thanks to terrible penalty calls by the referees. Even so, Bears fans should have come out of that game feeling much better about the offensive line.
Entering the game, Ben Johnson announced that former undrafted free agent Theo Benedet would be starting at left tackle and replacing Braxton Jones. While that move was needed, it was still risky given it was his first career NFL start. Benedet held up well for his first NFL start, which should excite fans.
Theo Benedet Why He is the Starting Left Tackle for the Rest of 2025 on Monday Night
Prior to Monday Night, Jones hadn't been setting Chicago up for success. Even though the 26-year-old was coming off a serious leg injury, fans expected more out of the fourth-year tackle. In four games, Jones allowed two sacks, two quarterback hits and 11 QB hurries. Moreover, he earned a 62.7 in pass blocking, a 47.2 in run blocking, and a 55.5 overall grade, according to Pro Football Focus.
Despite pass blocking never being his strong suit, Jones had been a great run blocker in his first three seasons. The fact that he wasn't even doing that well led to his benching.
That said, Benedet's impact in the run game was immediately felt Monday night. The holes he was opening up helped D'Andre Swift have the best rushing game he has had all season. This is reflected in the 24-year-old's 69.0 run blocking grade via PFF. This is the best running blocking performance out of a Bears left tackle all season.
Furthermore, Benedet also had a solid day pass blocking. In spite of PFF giving Benedet a 60.9 pass blocking grade, he only allowed two total pressures. For a former undrafted player making his first career start, it could have been a lot worse.
The fact that his name was only mentioned twice on the broadcast is a great sign. One of the times his name was mentioned was on an illegal formation penalty in the fourth quarter that everyone believes shouldn't have even been called.
His composure and consistency against a tough Commanders front showed that he belongs in this league. After Monday night, it’s fair to say the Bears’ left tackle problem is officially solved for now.