The Chicago Bears’ issues go beyond just the offensive line — they’re facing multiple crises across the unit.
A significant concern is at right guard with Nate Davis, who struggled in his first season with the Bears in 2022 after signing a three-year, $30 million contract. His performance has only worsened through the first two games this season.
Making matters worse, the coaching staff is reportedly frustrated with Davis’ lack of effort and intensity in practice.
While replacing him seems like an obvious solution, it’s complicated by the absence of a clear alternative. Ryan Bates, who the Bears acquired from the Bills for a fifth-round pick, has experience at right guard but is currently sidelined due to injury.
However, head coach Matt Eberflus recently mentioned a backup lineman who might start rotating in with Davis, at least in practice.
“Matt Pryor has really improved,” CHGO Bears reported via an X post. Eberflus praised Pryor’s work ethic and energy, suggesting he may get a shot to play alongside Davis.
Aaron Leming from 247 Sports and SB Nation predicted that the Bears would replace Davis as soon as possible, noting that Bates’ injury is the main reason this hasn’t happened yet.
The #Bears very clearly do not wanting Nate Davis starting long-term. Had Bates not been injured, he would already be on the bench. https://t.co/myveh0Rhm7
— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) September 20, 2024
“The Bears clearly do not want Nate Davis as a long-term starter,” Leming wrote. “If Bates weren’t injured, Davis would already be benched.”
Issues Between Bears, Nate Davis Stretch Back to Preseason
The tensions between Chicago and its starting right guard, Nate Davis, began weeks ago.
Davis missed a large portion of the preseason due to a soft-tissue injury. However, it was head coach Matt Eberflus’ comments during that time that raised eyebrows.
“If someone is out for an extended period and the player stepping in performs at a starter level, then you create competition,” Eberflus told reporters on August 6. “People say you can’t lose your job because of injury. I don’t believe that’s true. … That applies not just to [right] guard, but to all positions.”
Bears Offensive Line in Bottom Half of NFL Through 2 Games
Nate Davis is a concern for the Bears’ offensive line, but he’s far from the only issue.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) currently ranks Davis 46th out of 65 qualifying offensive guards through two games this season. The only two linemen performing above average based on PFF metrics are left guard Teven Jenkins and center Coleman Shelton. However, both have struggled as pass blockers, along with the rest of the line. Left tackle Braxton Jones has been solid, though not exceptional, in protecting quarterback Caleb Williams.
Zoltán Buday of PFF ranks the Bears’ offensive line 19th in the NFL heading into Week 3.
“The Bears offensive line followed up one of its best performances in recent seasons by struggling in primetime against the Texans,” Buday wrote. “The unit allowed 17 pressures — tied for the most in Week 2 — and four sacks, resulting in the fourth-lowest PFF pass-blocking efficiency score of the week.”
