Braxton Jones
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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson's comments from August could spell doom for left tackle Braxton Jones.
To say the Chicago Bears have problems right now is an understatement. With the team starting 0-2 and on the verge of another catastrophic season, there’s still time to make changes. Head coach Ben Johnson said something back in August that could come into effect sooner rather than later.
“We’re not afraid to make a change if the performance isn’t where it needs to be.”
And while that comment should spell doom for multiple Bears starters, one in particular headlines them all: left tackle Braxton Jones.
Ben Johnson’s Comments Could Spell Trouble for Braxton Jones
Jones was already part of a competition for the starting left tackle spot during the offseason, adding to the pressure he already has playing on the last year of his rookie contract.
Well, it wasn’t good to put it nicely.
Jones allowed seven pressures, five hurries, and two sacks in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, with 13 pressures allowed in just two games (most among qualified offensive linemen through two games). His struggles could be because of the ankle injury he’s been recovering from since last season, but if that’s the case, why play him?
Johnson pulled Jones out for the final series vs. Detroit while the rest of the starting offensive linemen were still out there. And yes, Caleb Williams was also pulled out, but it feels like two different reasons for the two to be pulled out.
The problem isn’t just Jones’ struggles; it’s the fact that he plays one of the most important positions on offense. As Williams’ blindside protector, giving up that many pressures and sacks is unacceptable.
The Bears have other options they can turn to at left tackle, including Theo Benedet and rookie Ozzy Trapilo. Based on Benedet being the swing tackle and Trapilo being a healthy scratch last game, Benedet is in line to become the starting left tackle if the Bears decide to bench Jones.
What’s Next for the Bears’ Offensive Line?
The Bears can’t afford to let this situation linger. Protecting Williams has to be the top priority, and leaving him with a liability on his blindside is a recipe for disaster. The front office and coaching staff will need to seriously evaluate whether Jones can realistically turn things around very soon, or if a lineup change is the only solution.
It’s an unfortunate situation, but there’s still hope for the rest of the offensive line to bounce back.
As of right now, they have to be better. It’s unacceptable to be middle of the pack in terms of team pass blocking and EPA per dropback with all the big-time investments made up front, and Jones could be the outlier that’s bringing the rest of the o-line down.
If he can’t perform at a high level, then it’s time to make the switch. And if Johnson is true to his words, it might not be long before Jones is benched.