The Chicago Bears entered this offseason with two major priorities.
They needed to find the right head coach to lead Caleb Williams, and they needed to protect the franchise quarterback.
With that in mind, they landed the most sought-after head coaching candidate in Ben Johnson, and they took care of the other priority by adding offensive lineman Joe Thuney, among others.
That’s why Zachary Pereles of CBS Sports believes that the former Kansas City Chiefs guard will be one of Johnson’s most crucial players.
> “Joe Thuney also gets his own section, because he can truly anchor this new-look line. A first-team All-Pro each of the last two seasons, Thuney turns 33 this season but has shown no signs of slowing down. Johnson relied on a terrific offensive line in Detroit; he’ll lean on Thuney in Chicago,” Pereles [wrote.](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/100-days-until-2025-nfl-kickoff-100-most-important-players-in-upcoming-season/)
The four-time Super Bowl champion has been one of the best guards in the league for years, and though he’s entering his 10th NFL season, he’s still at the top of his game.
The Bears have stacked plenty of talent on offense, including a potentially generational player at the most important position.
As such, they can’t afford to have Williams be the most-sacked quarterback in the league again.
More than that, they also need to give him a hand with a well-established running game, and Thuney will be crucial to both of those objectives.
Johnson made a name for himself as the most creative offensive coordinator in the league with the Detroit Lions and earned the right to lead his own team.
The Bears hope that he can bring the best out of Williams, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Although he showed flashes as a rookie, he clearly needed some direction and an offense built around his many strengths and impressive traits.
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