Positional Battles: Offensive Line
Rosters have to be down to 53 by tomorrow. Last nights game probably didn't do much to sway the coaching staff one way or the other. The swaying was mostly done during the off-season when Kevin Shaffer, Frank Omiyale, and Orlando Pace were added as free agents. These three will all be on the roster along with Olin Kreutz, Roberto Garza, Josh Beekman, and Chris Williams. No question about it.
Last year the Bears opened up with eight offensive linemen, including the injured Chris Williams, so taking more than eight isn't gonna happen. The above mentioned seven will be joined by only one other big fella. My guess is after the jump!
I guess I should eliminate some from consideration to make this easier... Center Donovan Raoila will get the axe, because both Beekman and Garza could back up at center, and Beekman looks to be the future at that position. Johan Asiata (I'll admit I never even heard of this guy til I looked at the roster) is a goner. Lance Louis, as much as I like his potential, just isn't ready yet. I'd like him on the practice squad. Which leave us with Dan Buenning and Cody Balogh. And after some deep thinking...
I can't see Balogh making the roster, and Buenning is more versatile. He's listed at guard, but he's played right tackle in the past, and could play center in a pinch.
Actually this was pretty cut and dry. Barring an injury the Bears ride with those eight.
Since there isn't much debate for a poll I'll take it in a different direction.
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16 comments
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Comments
Besides the competition
between Beekman and Omiyale, Are offensive line has been set for a while. Looks like as good of an O-line as we have had for a while.
by Fridge72 on Sep 4, 2009 11:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
pace
Pace got beat a couple of times last time out, so I hope he is a lot better than he looked.
"Chance favors the prepared mind." - Pasteur
by Maelvampyre on Sep 4, 2009 12:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
he got beat
but Cutler wasn’t sacked… Elvis Dumervil is really quick off the edge, in a regular seson game the Bears would either chip with a TE or back or have a guard fan out to pick him up. And ina real game the Bears might have pounded the run a bit more to take advantage of Pace’s mammoth size advantage…
I’m not that concerned, not if Green Bay is beating him, I’d be a little more worried
by wiltfongjr on Sep 4, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
everyone gets beat.
Lucky Cutler has pretty good pocket presence. I can’t wait to see him against Allen that should be a battle.
I have seen a QB and it was good.
by SoulEater7 on Sep 4, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pace himself said he cant bend as well as he used to at the waist....
so that means he’ll have problems with shorter blitzers on that side… Dumervil is probably the shortest DE/OLB in the league at 5’11"… when you’re 6’7" like Pace… its a problem… unfortunately… the reigning defensive MVP we’re playing in Week 2 is also only 6’ tall…
by firebirdsix7 on Sep 4, 2009 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OH NO!
I’m Wrong! Shucks!
I hope Louis is the guy they keep then… he has good upside
by wiltfongjr on Sep 4, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
I liked your logic, so I was surprised to see him go. I really don’t see Balogh sticking, so I’m guessing it’ll be Louis, too.
—d
by itsugly on Sep 4, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll bet...
they realized Louis wouldn’t make it back for the practice squad. Maybe him seeing action at G and LT gave the league too much good tape on him…
by wiltfongjr on Sep 4, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They must really like Lance Louis.
And when you watch him, you can tell why. Dude’s got elite athleticism for the position. Not so sure about his technique, however.
The poster formerly known as Freethefro.
by MPG on Sep 4, 2009 2:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Could he be used as the 3rd TE?
I know he would have to declare himself pass eligible every time but he used to play TE and it’s not like you really need your 3rd TE to catch anyhow he just needs to be able to block. I have a feeling Louis could block better than Gaines or Davis
by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Sep 4, 2009 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I could see Graza and/or Chris Williams making the Pro Bowl
Williams is really smart and has tremendous upside and Graza has been our best guard since Ruben Brown retired.
by NiqueBears on Sep 4, 2009 9:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If anyone on the line has a shot at the pro bowl it's probably those 2
Kruetz and Pace are probably too old and are in there for the consistency and leadership that they provide. Due to the age factor, the Bears are obviously going to have to go back and work on the O-line again in next year’s draft.
by JimmyMack on Sep 5, 2009 10:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You're welcome again!!
JC will make your line look better with his mobility, pocket presence & quick release…
#$%$#!!
by Whidbey Bronco on Sep 6, 2009 5:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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