3 Biggest Takeaways From Bears’ Week 1 Win Over the Titans
3. Rough center play
The Bears dealt with downright bad center play last season. Both Cody Whitehair and Lucas Patrick had trouble protecting the quarterback and snapping the ball. That is why the Bears went out and signed center Coleman Shelton and traded for Ryan Bates this offseason.
Shelton won the starting job in training camp mainly due to Bates getting injured. This seemed like the best case since Shelton started 32 games center, whereas Bates only started 12.
However, Shelton didn't have the best day against the Titans. Shelton allowed two sacks. The first came on a play where he got blown straight back into Williams's lap. Titans defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph Day took Williams down for a 19-yard loss.
The other sack Shelton let up was on a play where he went to triple-team Jeffery Simmons. By triple-teaming Simmons, though, he left Harold Landry unblocked on a stunt, causing Williams to lose 10 yards.
I don’t know how Coleman Shelton misses this. This is a day one 3rd down stunt right here. Not good. #DaBears #Bears #ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/hU1IzFHTzp
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) September 8, 2024
Along with the two sacks, Shelton gave up a really bad QB pressure and had a costly holding penalty on a run play.
Coleman Shelton giving up the quick pressure. Never had a chance. #DaBears pic.twitter.com/FRMYSdnRGQ
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) September 8, 2024
Although Shelton didn't have snapping issues, his performance against the Titans left a lot to be desired. If he is unable to have a better game next week, people might be ready to move on from Shelton and make Bates the starting center.
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