The Chicago Bears are making a bold adjustment up front heading into tonight’s Divisional Round clash with the Los Angeles Rams. Veteran offensive lineman Joe Thuney is sliding over to left tackle, stepping in for Ozzy Trapilo, who suffered a ruptured patellar tendon during last week’s Wild Card win over Green Bay. It’s a significant shift - and one that says a lot about how much trust the Bears have in Thuney’s versatility and experience.
This won’t be Thuney’s first time on the blind side. In fact, the last time he started at left tackle was on the biggest stage of them all - the Super Bowl - when he filled in for the Chiefs against the Eagles.
So while it’s not his everyday role, Thuney’s no stranger to high-stakes protection duties. And with the Bears’ season on the line, they’re turning to a guy who’s been there, done that, and collected rings along the way.
Jordan McFadden will slide into the left guard spot vacated by Thuney. McFadden saw action in seven games during the regular season and now gets the nod in one of the biggest games of the year. It’s a big moment for the young lineman, but one the Bears clearly feel he’s ready for.
Thuney, acquired in a blockbuster trade from Kansas City last year, brings championship pedigree and a steadying presence to a Bears line that has seen its fair share of turbulence. He’s chasing his fifth Super Bowl ring - two with the Patriots (2016, 2018) and two with the Chiefs (2022, 2023).
That kind of postseason résumé doesn’t just walk into your locker room every day. It’s a major asset, especially when you’re trying to protect a young quarterback under the playoff spotlight.
Speaking of that quarterback - Caleb Williams took a beating last season, going down a league-high 68 times. But this year, with upgrades like Thuney anchoring the line, the Bears cut that number down to just 24 sacks in the regular season.
That’s not just improvement - that’s a transformation. And it’s a big reason why Chicago is still playing in mid-January.
Weather could be a factor tonight at Soldier Field, with icy conditions in the forecast. It’s the kind of environment that can turn a playoff game into a battle of attrition, where the trenches become even more important. The Bears are betting that Thuney’s experience and McFadden’s readiness will hold up under pressure - and under the lights.
The winner of tonight’s matchup will punch their ticket to the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks. One step away from the Super Bowl, and for Chicago, the road goes through a reshuffled offensive line that’s got a lot riding on its shoulders.