(Photo: Rich Barnes, Getty)
Despite the Chicago Bears' disappointing 27-24 season-opening loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football, there were several bright spots that Bears fans can build their hopes upon as they enter the Ben Johnson era. Chief among them was the outstanding performance of right tackle Darnell Wright, who turned in a great performance in the home opener.
Against a tough Vikings front, Wright allowed zero pressures, recording an 86.0 pass-blocking grade and a 76.5 run-blocking grade according to Pro Football Focus. His overall grade of 77.9 not only made him the highest-graded offensive lineman for Chicago but the top-graded Bear on offense. For a Bears offensive line that has struggled mightily in recent seasons, Wright's dominant showing provided a glimpse of what this unit could become under Johnson's offensive system.
Absorbing The Bull Rush
The challenge Wright faced Monday night cannot be overstated. Across from him lined up two of the NFL's most productive pass rushers in Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel, and occasionally Jonathan Allen. These defensive weapons who combined for an impressive 26.5 sacks during the 2024 season. For any offensive tackle, particularly one still early in his career, this represented a true test of skill and technique.
(Photo: 247Sports)
(Photo: 247Sports)
Wright's approach to handling the Vikings defensive line was methodical and technically sound. In the above clip against Jonathan Allen, as was the case all night, his quick first step consistently gave him the advantage in the initial phase of pass protection. You see the same in the clip against Van Ginkel; Wright essentially brings his bull rush to a halt with power and technique. Most importantly, his active hands throughout each rep enabled him to control and redirect pass rushers, preventing them from establishing the inside track to quarterback Caleb Williams.
Technique
Perhaps even more impressive was Wright's handling of Van Ginkel's speed-to-power conversion. Van Ginkel, lined up directly across from Wright, attempted to use his quickness advantage with a well-timed spin move designed to get Wright off-balance and create an easy path to the quarterback.
(Photo: 247Sports)
Wright's reaction demonstrated the kind of anticipation and technique that separates good tackles from great ones. As Van Ginkel initiated his spin, Wright's quick feet and excellent pad level allowed him to mirror the move and stall its effectiveness. But rather than simply surviving the move, Wright took it a step further. Once he had neutralized the spin, he used his power to actually drive Van Ginkel backwards, completely shutting down any opportunity for the defender to generate pressure on Williams.
This sequence highlighted Wright's improvement in reading and reacting to complex pass rush moves. The ability to not only defend against such moves but to counter-attack and gain the advantage shows the kind of development that should excite Bears fans about their right tackle's future.
Motor and Awareness
The third standout sequence showcased perhaps Wright's most underrated quality: his motor and field awareness. Football is a game of constant adjustments, and the best players are those who continue to work even after their primary assignment is complete.
On this particular play, Wright initially prepared to handle Van Ginkel in pass protection. However, when #43 dropped back into coverage instead of rushing, Wright immediately began scanning for additional work. What he found was a developing problem: fellow lineman Jonah Jackson was got beat by defensive lineman Levi Rodriguez (#50), creating immediate pressure up the middle.
(Photo: 247Sports)
Without hesitation, Wright abandoned his initial assignment (who was in coverage) and moved to help. His intervention came in the form of a clean, powerful block that not only bailed out Jackson but also managed to take linebacker Ivan Pace (#0) out of the play entirely. This type of play - recognizing a developing problem, adjusting on the fly, and executing with strength - represents the effort and IQ that coaches covet in offensive linemen.
Building Blocks for the Future
Wright's performance Monday night was particularly significant given the context of the Bears' offensive transition under new head coach Ben Johnson. Johnson, who coordinated one of the NFL's most prolific offenses during his time in Detroit, will likely ask more of his offensive line in terms of both protection schemes and run blocking concepts. Wright's showing suggests he has the technical foundation and football IQ to handle whatever Johnson's system demands.
For Bears fans who have watched their team struggle to protect quarterbacks for years, Wright's emergence as a reliable anchor on the right side provides genuine reason for optimism. His combination of technique, power, and intelligence gives the Bears something they've lacked: a tackle who can consistently win his individual matchups while making the players around him better. Wright's Monday night performance was more than just good individual play - it was a statement about his readiness to be a cornerstone of this offensive line for years to come.