The Chicago Bears have won nine of their last ten games. Their running game has been huge during this surge, and the offensive line is giving Caleb Williams all sorts of time and space to operate in the pocket.
That's why head coach Ben Johnson may not want to fix what isn't broken. While he was critical of the passing game earlier in the week, he seems to be quite satisfied with the offensive line. That's why he's not going to turn back to Theo Benedet.
When asked about the veteran tackle and whether he's going to reclaim his spot, the first-year head coach tipped his hat to rookie Ozzy Trapilo, claiming that he will continue to ride the hot hand, per Bears reporter Chris Emma of 670 The Score.
Ben Johnson Says Ozzy Trapilo Gives The Bears The Best Chance to Win
"We're always going to play the guy that gives us the best chance to win the ballgame. And so that's where it starts. I think he's an ascending player. He's still developing, and he's going to continue to get better the more reps he has," Johnson said on the shift to Trapilo at left tackle.
Of course, this makes perfect sense. The rookie has looked like a stud whenever he's been given a chance, and while the sample size is limited, his Pro Football Focus grade of 66.1, pass block grade of 57.4, and run block grade of 67.8 are all pretty encouraging.
Benedet might be a proven veteran, but his numbers are significantly worse than the rookie. This season, he has a 56.4 Pro Football Focus grade, which ranks 62nd among 80 players in his position. He has a 57.6 pass block grade and a 61.8 run block grade.
The Bears' offensive line is going to have its hands full on Sunday. They'll visit Lambeau Field for a date with Micah Parsons. And while hoping that a rookie will be able to handle that type of pressure might be a little risky, he's already proven that he can hold his ground against a stout pass-rush like the Philadelphia Eagles'.
Sunday's divisional matchup will have huge implications for playoff seeding and the overall NFC North picture, and the Bears can't afford to let that one slip. If Trapilo gives them the best chance to compete, then there's no reason to get him off the field.