ClutchPoints
The Chicago Bears are entering their bye week at 2-2 on the heels of a last-second blocked field goal win over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. That win has given the Bears plenty of momentum entering their bye week.
Still, things have been far from perfect in head coach Ben Johnson’s debut. Chicago ranks 19th in offense, averaging 328 yards per game. Things have been worse defensively, as the Bears rank 27th overall, allowing 379.5.
On the bright side, quarterback Caleb Williams has shown major strides under Johnson’s watch. Furthermore, the Bears are expected to be much healthier after the bye. Currently on a two-game win streak, there’s plenty of reasons to be optimistic about Chicago.
But on the other side of the coin, there is a glaring issue. The Bears are going through immense change across their offensive line. Their best use of the bye week would be figuring out what is the best starting five in front of Williams moving forward.
The Bears held a wide open competition at left tackle throughout the offseason. Ultimately, Braxton Jones won the battle has started at the position the first four weeks of the season. However, Week 4 saw a massive change of plans.
Jones was benched coming out of the second half, replaced by former undrafted free agent Theo Benedet. Second-round rookie Ozzy Trapilo then entered the game at right tackle. He actually fared pretty well against the ferocious Maxx Crosby.
Ozzy Trapilo vs. Maxx Crosby
-40 snaps (26 pass, 14 run)
-0 sacks
-0 QBH
-2 hurriesFor not playing a single regular season snap + going against one of the leagues best in Crosby, the rookie did a great job. pic.twitter.com/NGao2L4J3U
— Just Another Year Chicago: Bears (@JAYChi_Bears) September 29, 2025
The bigger story coming out of the game was the fall of Jones, however. His 55 grade from Pro Football Focus tells the whole story, as he ranks 71/108 tackles. His pass blocking grade of 61.7 puts him 54th while his 47.2 run blocking grade puts him all the way down at 100. Jones’ struggles against the run were clearly evident against the Raiders.
Not to put blame on one person, but this is pretty evident.
D'Andre Swift with Braxton Jones at LT:
– 6 carries for 1 yardD'Andre Swift with Theo Benedet at LT:
– 7 carries for 34 yards (4.9 per carry) and 1 TD pic.twitter.com/VeF9OjLHge— Kole Noble (@AtoZ_Slaw) September 30, 2025
Clearly, Johnson has seen enough and decided to pull the plug. With Jones set to be a free agent after the season, his time is Chicago is likely coming to an end soon. However, he has spent the latter half of training camp and the first four week commanding the position. Now, the Bears are forced to switch on the fly.
Johnson must believe in Chicago’s...
