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3 Bears Starters Who Already Need To Be Benched

It's a huge relief that the Chicago Bears won their first game of the season. However, some changes need to be made. Here are three starters who already need to be benched.

By DOUGLAS SCHWAMB

Tennessee Titans v Chicago Bears
Tennessee Titans v Chicago Bears / Todd Rosenberg/GettyImages
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2. Coleman Shelton, C

Coleman Shelton was by far the biggest disappointment in the season opener. The Bears brought in Shelton because he provided the team with a veteran center for the rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Like the rest of the interior offensive line, Shelton struggled at pass protection and run block protection. It was noticeably bad. There is a ton of work that needs to be done before the Sunday night game against the Houston Texans.

Shelton was signed to a one-year deal to help solve a position that has plagued the Bears since Olin Kruetz left. It is aggravating as a Bears fan.

Last year, Poles said that he felt comfortable with Cody Whitehair and Lucas Patrick in the middle. However, Patrick sustained injuries. Also, with the lack of Pro Bowl play Whitehair used to play with, the Bears had a glaring hole at center. Shelton has a lot to prove, but ideally, he is at best a rotational backup center.

The center position needs to be addressed in the offseason. Enough with the stop-gap players that have been in the position. Whitehair, Patrick, Sam Mustipher, Bates, and Shelton are a long list of guys who have played the position. Like a quarterback, it is time for the Bears to find a young player who can stabilize the position for the long-term future. Look ahead to the draft and find the next guy who can be there for the next decade. Enough is enough. Stop with the same constant issues and cheap, filler contracts. It is time to address the position the right way.

However, that will have to wait for the next offseason. For now, it's important to find the top five best offensive linemen on the team. This should be the approach if the offensive line continues to struggle. Braxton Jones at left tackle, Ryan Bates at the center position, Teven Jenkins at right guard, and Darnell Wright at right tackle. That leaves an opening at left guard.

I understand Poles is not rushing his development and value, but if rookie third-round tackle Kiran Amegadjie is ready to play, allow the young guy to prove himself and his worth. The offensive line can shift and change in the next few weeks if the struggles continue.

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