The Chicago Bears are heading into the NFC Divisional Round with momentum after a gritty 31-27 win over the Green Bay Packers-but they’re also facing a major shakeup on the offensive line that could have real consequences against a tough Los Angeles Rams front.
The biggest blow came when starting left tackle Ozzy Trapilo went down with a season-ending injury during the Wild Card victory. Trapilo’s been a steady presence on the edge, and losing your blindside protector in January is never ideal. Theo Benedet stepped in to finish the game, but now it looks like the Bears are weighing a more dramatic move.
According to multiple reports, the coaching staff is seriously considering sliding veteran left guard Joe Thuney out to left tackle-a position he hasn’t played in the NFL. If that happens, Jordan McFadden would step in at left guard, rounding out a new-look line of Thuney-McFadden-Drew Dalman-Jonah Jackson-Darnell Wright.
Let’s break that down. Thuney has been a rock on the interior this season, starting every game alongside Dalman and Jackson.
He’s known as one of the most technically sound and reliable guards in the league. But moving from guard to tackle, especially in the playoffs, is no small transition.
The angles change, the types of rushers you face change, and the margin for error shrinks considerably. And with just a week to prepare?
That’s a tall order.
Still, this move says a lot about where the Bears are with their tackle depth. Benedet filled in last week but didn’t do enough to lock down the job.
Braxton Jones, who began the year as the starter, has returned from injured reserve but hasn’t reclaimed his role. That leaves the Bears in a spot where they’re willing to shift one of their most dependable interior linemen to the outside, despite the risk.
It’s a gamble, no doubt. But it’s also a reflection of how high the stakes are.
The Bears haven’t been to the NFC Championship Game in 15 years, and they know the Rams aren’t going to make it easy. L.A. brings a formidable pass rush, and protecting the quarterback-whoever lines up under center-is going to be priority number one.
This decision could shape the outcome of the game. If Thuney holds up at tackle and McFadden steps in seamlessly at guard, the Bears might just have the versatility and depth to weather the storm. If not, the pressure could come fast and furious off the edge, derailing an offense that’s been finding its rhythm at the right time.
One thing’s clear: the Bears are willing to get creative to keep their postseason run alive. Now it’s a matter of whether that creativity pays off-or comes back to haunt them on Sunday.