Offensive Line
While the Bears have some nice pieces in place, this group has some holes that need to be addressed. Be that through free agency or the draft. While the line did improve from the 56 sack allowed last year down to 49 sacks (tied for fifth-most in the NFL.), the number is a bit deceiving. In the six starts by Caleb Hannie and Josh McCown the pair was sacked 26 times, in contrast in Cutlers 10 starts he was only sacked 23 times. So that number could be inflated one could argue. The line did pave the way for 2,015 rushing yards the most by the Bears since 1991.
Gabe Carimi looks to be the real deal at right tackle and should be a fixture for many years to come.
Roberto Graza did a nice job converting to center and was named a Pro Bowl alternate while earning a two-year extension along the way.
Chris Williams looked better each week prior to his season ending injury and should be ready for the start of training camp.
Chris Spencer
The Bears signed him in hopes that he would replace the departing Olin Kruetz, but he was signed late and did not find a spot until Gabe Carimi went down and forced Lance Louis outside. He did adapt nicely and could be the front runner next year.
J'Marcus Webb
This is where the Bears need to improve. Webb resembled a turn-style for much of the season with the worst coming against the Vikings Jared Allen. While he did OK for parts of the season the consistency was not there.
If nothing else all the injuries suffered by this unit created depth for the future. The line will be better day one without adding anyone with Carimi and Williams due back. Overall this unit fared better then I thought they would at the beginning of the season but that will not get it done. While Cutler's sacks were down this year, the credit goes to Cutler as much as the line. Cutler needs more time to set and throw. This will be helped with Mike Tice calling plays more suited to the strengths of this team, not trying to stick the round peg in the square whole like Martz did before him.
Outlook in free agency/the draft; Picking at 19 there will not be that stud left tackle the Bears need, so unless they trade up I would bet that wide out is where they go.
There may be a couple of options via free agency however.
Doug Free of the Cowboys could be a huge prize if Dallas is unable to sign him.
Jared Gaither from Baltimore is an other option if his back is fully healed he would be an upgrade.
With a couple of smart moves this could become an area of strength for the Bears. Let me know what you think and as always BEAR DOWN!!
Next up receivers
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