Kyle Long is aware that the Chicago Bears’ offensive line needs to be fixed.
As one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Chicago Bears’ offensive line, Kyle Long understands better than most the pivotal role that the offensive line plays in a football team’s success. After spending seven seasons with the Bears, Long was forced into early retirement in 2020 due to a series of injuries. Despite his departure from the NFL, Long’s insights on the Bears, particularly regarding their offensive line woes, continue to resonate with both fans and experts alike.
The Chicago Bears have been mired in mediocrity for much of the past two decades, and one of the key reasons for their continued struggle is the persistent issue with their offensive line. Long, who played for the Bears from 2013 to 2019, experienced the highs and lows of being a part of that offensive line, and his perspective on the team’s current struggles sheds light on the urgent need for the Bears to fix their offensive line issues.
In this editorial, we will explore Kyle Long’s awareness of the situation, his past experiences with the Bears’ offensive line, the current state of the team’s line, and what steps need to be taken to revamp the offensive line for future success. This article will also delve into how the state of the offensive line directly impacts the success of quarterback Justin Fields and the overall performance of the Bears offense.
Kyle Long’s Experience with the Chicago Bears
Kyle Long’s tenure with the Chicago Bears was marked by both individual success and team frustration. After being selected by the Bears as the 20th overall pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Long quickly emerged as one of the premier offensive linemen in the league. He earned three Pro Bowl selections in his first three seasons, cementing himself as one of the key players in Chicago’s offensive line.
However, injuries began to take a toll on Long’s career. Despite showing flashes of brilliance and being a fan favorite for his fiery, passionate play, Long’s time with the Bears was also marked by frequent injuries that affected his availability and effectiveness on the field. By the time Long retired in 2020, the Bears were struggling with consistency on the offensive line, a problem that had plagued the team for years.
During Long’s tenure, the Bears’ offensive line was often in a state of flux, with inconsistent play, changing personnel, and difficulties in both the run game and pass protection. Even as Long was a standout individual player, the overall performance of the line was not always up to par, which limited the offense’s ability to perform at a high level.
Today, with the Bears in the midst of a rebuild, Long is aware that the team’s offensive line issues have persisted, even as they attempt to build a more competitive roster. From his experience, Long knows that a strong, consistent offensive line is essential to a team’s success, particularly in the modern NFL, where quarterbacks and skill players rely heavily on offensive line play to succeed.
The Chicago Bears’ Offensive Line Issues in 2023 and Beyond
As the 2023 season came to a close, one of the most glaring issues for the Chicago Bears was once again their offensive line. Despite making some moves to bolster the line during the offseason, including the drafting of players and adding free agents, the offensive line continued to be a major weakness. Quarterback Justin Fields, who possesses the physical tools to be a star in the league, was often running for his life behind a patchwork offensive line.
The Bears’ offensive line ranked near the bottom of the NFL in several key categories in 2023. Pass protection remained a significant issue, with Fields being pressured at an alarmingly high rate. This forced him to scramble or make hurried decisions, limiting his ability to read defenses and execute plays as designed. Run blocking was also inconsistent, with running back David Montgomery struggling to find running lanes on a regular basis.
It’s clear that while Fields possesses incredible mobility and playmaking ability, the lack of stability and protection from his offensive line is holding him back. Long, who knows the importance of giving a quarterback time to develop and execute plays, has been vocal about this issue. In an interview, Long stated, “As a former offensive lineman, it’s hard to watch the struggles they’re going through. The offensive line is the backbone of any successful offense. When you don’t have consistency up front, it’s hard to ask your quarterback to thrive.”
For the Bears, this lack of stability on the offensive line has become a long-standing issue that they have failed to fully address for years. The team’s inability to solidify the offensive line has directly impacted their offensive productivity, leading to struggles in both the passing game and the running game.
The Importance of Offensive Line Play for Justin Fields
For a quarterback like Justin Fields, who has immense potential but still has much to prove in his young career, the offensive line’s role cannot be overstated. Fields, who entered the NFL with high expectations, has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his ability to make plays with his legs. However, like many quarterbacks, Fields needs the protection of an effective offensive line to succeed.
In 2023, Fields showed that when given time in the pocket, he can make accurate throws down the field. But the Bears’ offensive line has not consistently provided him with the time he needs to make those plays. The constant pressure on Fields has resulted in him having to rely on his mobility, which, while a strength, is not sustainable in the long term.
The offensive line issues are especially problematic when it comes to Fields’ development as a passer. While his athleticism allows him to create plays outside of the pocket, he needs the ability to stand tall in the pocket, read the defense, and go through his progressions. A solid offensive line provides the necessary foundation for him to operate from the pocket and grow as a traditional passer.
Kyle Long has been vocal about the need for consistency in the offensive line to allow Fields to fully develop as a quarterback. Long noted, “Justin Fields has a ton of talent, and he’s shown that he can make plays when he has time. But to become a great quarterback in this league, you need time and protection. Without that, it’s hard for any quarterback to succeed.”
What Needs to Be Done: Fixing the Offensive Line
So, what steps can the Bears take to fix their offensive line issues and, by extension, help Justin Fields reach his full potential? It’s a multi-step process, one that will require careful planning, smart drafting, and possibly a few key free-agent signings.
- Invest in the Offensive Line through the Draft and Free Agency: The Bears need to continue to build through the draft, particularly when it comes to securing high-quality offensive linemen. In recent years, they’ve made some attempts to draft players who can become foundational pieces, but they still need more depth and talent. Using their draft capital, the Bears should target offensive linemen who can start immediately and make an immediate impact. Additionally, free agency could offer opportunities to secure experienced players who can anchor the line and provide leadership.
- Develop and Cohesively Build the Offensive Line: The Bears need to create a cohesive offensive line unit that works well together. Offensive line play is as much about communication and chemistry as it is about individual talent. Bringing in a strong coaching staff and focusing on player development will be key. The Bears need to ensure that they can develop younger players into reliable starters, while also keeping veteran players who can serve as solid mentors.
- Prioritize Pass Protection and Run Blocking: It’s not just about getting bodies in place. The Bears need to ensure that their offensive line is balanced in both run blocking and pass protection. If Fields is going to develop as a passer, he needs to have a clean pocket and a chance to make his reads. At the same time, a strong run-blocking unit will be crucial for the Bears to build a balanced offense, especially given the potential of running back Khalil Herbert.
- Consider a Long-Term Strategy for Offensive Line Building: Fixing the offensive line isn’t an overnight project, and the Bears need to approach it with a long-term mindset. The team should focus on building a solid, sustainable line that can protect their franchise quarterback and allow the offense to operate efficiently for years to come. This may mean taking some lumps in the short term, but the payoff will be worth it as Fields develops and the team grows into a legitimate contender.
A Franchise’s Future on the Line
As Kyle Long so aptly put it, the offensive line is the “backbone” of any successful offense. For the Chicago Bears, the state of their offensive line is in desperate need of repair. Justin Fields is an incredible talent, but without a functional offensive line, his development will continue to be stunted. The Bears must make it a priority to solidify the offensive line to unlock Fields’ potential and provide him with the support he needs to succeed.
For Bears fans, the hope is that the team will take the necessary steps to fix this long-standing issue and put together a line that can support their young quarterback. It’s a process that will require patience, strategic investments, and, most importantly, a commitment to building from the trenches up. If the Bears can finally fix their offensive line, they may very well see the return of a high-powered offense, and with it, a bright future for the franchise.
