Bears Insider Dishes on Ben Johnson’s Left Tackle Plan
It's looking as if Braxton Jones' time as the left tackle of the Chicago Bears has come to an end
The Chicago Bears may be on a bye this weekend, but that doesn’t mean that head coach Ben Johnson and his entire staff haven’t used this week off to contemplate a decision that will have serious repercussions deep into the 2025 NFL season and beyond.
By now you know that the offensive line troubles that plagued the Bears throughout the 2024 season haven’t been completely resolved. Although the unit as a whole has been playing much better than last year — and for the record, that includes Caleb Williams, who has shown a much better pocket presence and internal clock this season than he did during his rookie year — there’s still one problem area that needs to be addressed.
Coming out of the halftime locker room in their Week 4 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, Ben Johnson chose to bench left tackle Braxton Jones to begin the 2nd half. As a result, Theo Benedet, who had gotten the start at
Evidently, the move worked, because the Bears were able to overcome a halftime deficit and depart Las Vegas with a 25-24 victory. Accordingly, this raises an important question that Ben Johnson will need to provide an answer for by next Monday when the Bears face the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football… who will be starting at the two tackle spots?
Will Darnell Wright move over to left tackle in order to keep Caleb Williams’ blindside protected? Is Braxton Jones out of the picture altogether? Who has the inside track if Jones is a goner, Trapilo or Benedet?
Longtime Bears reporter Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune may have the inside scoop:
“Instinct tells me Benedet, who played left tackle when Jones was removed from the game against the Raiders in the second quarter, will get the next shot at the job,” Biggs wrote in a Q&A column.
According to Pro Football Focus, neither Theo Benedet or Ozzy Trapilo were significantly better in Chicago’s Week 4 win than Braxton Jones was. In fact, Benedet (38.7 grade), Jones (41.3) and Trapilo (47.9) were all among Chicago’s lowest-graded players last weekend.
Will the Bears Entertain the Idea of Moving Darnell Wright to Left Tackle?
By the numbers, the best possible move the Bears could make is moving Darnell Wright to the left side of the line while inserting Ozzy Trapilo in at right tackle. In reality, this is
But making that move right now, in the middle of the season, is a risky proposition, especially with Wright coming off of an injury.
“Asking (Wright) to switch sides in the middle of the season and coming off an injury probably isn’t Plan A at Halas Hall,” Biggs wrote. “Could Wright be a consideration before the end of the season? Anything is possible, but if the Bears really liked this option, they probably would have been more proactive in the offseason when four other players got a shot on the left side. If Benedet falters, the Bears might try Trapilo again at left tackle before switching Wright.
No matter how you look at it, it’s looking like Braxton Jones’ days as a starter in Chicago are in the past, which shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. Jones had to work himself back from a serious knee injury that cut his season sort last year. It was widely expected that the fourth-year starter would play out the final year of his contract and then depart the Windy City in free agency next spring.
Dodgers’ Dave Roberts stuns fans by dismissing Roki Sasaki’s impact amid closer debate!
Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Questions Roki Sasaki’s Closer Potential
In a surprising turn of events, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has stirred the pot by dismissing the potential impact of Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki in the ongoing debate over the team’s closer role. This statement has left many fans and analysts scratching their heads, especially given Sasaki’s impressive track record.
Sasaki’s Rising Star
Roki Sasaki has taken the baseball world by storm with his exceptional performances in Japan. Known for his blazing fastball and sharp slider, Sasaki has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting young pitchers today. With a dominant presence on the mound, he has continually drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats.
Despite this, Roberts appears unfazed by Sasaki’s accolades. The manager emphasized that while Sasaki is undoubtedly talented, the Dodgers have established depth within their bullpen that may not necessitate the integration of the young pitcher into the closer role.
Roberts’ Perspective on the Bullpen
Roberts has expressed confidence in the current closer options available to him, suggesting that the team’s existing pitchers possess the qualities needed to secure games in high-pressure situations. This assertion raises questions about the Dodgers’ strategy moving forward, particularly as they approach the postseason.
The manager’s comments have sparked debate among fans, many of whom see Sasaki as a potential game-changer for the Dodgers’ postseason run. With the pressure of the playoffs looming, the choice of who takes the mound in crucial moments is critical.
What Lies Ahead for the Dodgers
As the Dodgers gear up for the playoffs, the closer situation remains a focal point of discussion. While Roberts may downplay Sasaki’s impact, the young pitcher’s impressive skill set cannot be ignored.
It will be interesting to see how this debate unfolds as the team prepares for the challenges ahead. The Dodgers have a history of making bold moves, and the decision on their closer could very well shape their postseason fate. With the clock ticking, fans will be eager to see who ultimately takes the mound in those pivotal moments.
Dodgers’ Dave Roberts Questions Roki Sasaki’s Closer Potential
In a surprising turn of events, Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has stirred the pot by dismissing the potential impact of Japanese sensation Roki Sasaki in the ongoing debate over the team’s closer role. This statement has left many fans and analysts scratching their heads, especially given Sasaki’s impressive track record.
Sasaki’s Rising Star
Roki Sasaki has taken the baseball world by storm with his exceptional performances in Japan. Known for his blazing fastball and sharp slider, Sasaki has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting young pitchers today. With a dominant presence on the mound, he has continually drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats.
Despite this, Roberts appears unfazed by Sasaki’s accolades. The manager emphasized that while Sasaki is undoubtedly talented, the Dodgers have established depth within their bullpen that may not necessitate the integration of the young pitcher into the closer role.
Roberts’ Perspective on the Bullpen
Roberts has expressed confidence in the current closer options available to him, suggesting that the team’s existing pitchers possess the qualities needed to secure games in high-pressure situations. This assertion raises questions about the Dodgers’ strategy moving forward, particularly as they approach the postseason.
The manager’s comments have sparked debate among fans, many of whom see Sasaki as a potential game-changer for the Dodgers’ postseason run. With the pressure of the playoffs looming, the choice of who takes the mound in crucial moments is critical.
What Lies Ahead for the Dodgers
As the Dodgers gear up for the playoffs, the closer situation remains a focal point of discussion. While Roberts may downplay Sasaki’s impact, the young pitcher’s impressive skill set cannot be ignored.
It will be interesting to see how this debate unfolds as the team prepares for the challenges ahead. The Dodgers have a history of making bold moves, and the decision on their closer could very well shape their postseason fate. With the clock ticking, fans will be eager to see who ultimately takes the mound in those pivotal moments.
