Bears stud is embracing uncomfortable change that will impact team's success in 2023
The Chicago Bears are entering the 2023 with much more stability across their vastly improved roster. With a more defined role heading into the season, Bears left guard Teven Jenkins is ready to take a major jump. Jenkins was drafted as an offensive tackle, though that didn’t provide the early returns Chicago was hoping for. […]
The Chicago Bears are entering the 2023 with much more stability across their vastly improved roster. With a more defined role heading into the season, Bears left guard Teven Jenkins is ready to take a major jump.
Jenkins was drafted as an offensive tackle, though that didn’t provide the early returns Chicago was hoping for. Jenkins kicked inside last season and as a result became one of the Bears most improved players.
Jenkins was the Bears starting right guard in 2022, but the Oklahoma State product is making another switch up front in the upcoming season. After Chicago inked right guard Nate Davis, Bears offensive line coach Chris Morgan informed Jenkins he would be making a move to left guard.
Though some players revere position switches, Jenkins is embracing it. He spoke to reporters on Wednesday about the benefits of knowing ahead of time where he will play in the tenches.
“It lets me actually get good at my craft,” Jenkins said. “It feels good because I can actually work on one thing instead of trying to flip flop sides and make sure I have equal work on both sides.”
With a full season of starting experience on the interior offensive line, Jenkins is ready to carry the momentum from last year into 2023.
“I feel more like a guard now,” Jenkins said, though he did mention he’s available to play tackle if an emergency is to arise.
The Bears offensive line will dictate just how far the offense can go in 2023. If Justin Fields receives proper protection and the running game can find a way to improve, the sky is the limit for Chicago.
Featured image via Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
