2023 Senior Bowl: Three offensive standouts Bears fans need to know about
As we continue to work through the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl, there is one more side of the ball we need to cover. Yesterday we covered the defense, so today we will talk about the offense. The Bears were dead last in the league in passing yards on the season with 2,598. When it comes […]
As we continue to work through the 2023 Reese's Senior Bowl, there is one more side of the ball we need to cover. Yesterday we covered the defense, so today we will talk about the offense.
The Bears were dead last in the league in passing yards on the season with 2,598. When it comes to passing, the Bears were disappointing, to say the least. They had the least amount of 1st downs in 109. They were tied for the fourth-fewest explosive plays (which is gains of 20 yards or more). Rushing is a different story. They led the league in 3,014 yards on the ground, they were first in yards per carry with 5.4. They were second in runs of 20 +yards or more with 20, as well as being first in runs with 40 + yards or more with 8.
Justin Fields was a big part of that as he ran for 1,143 yards himself. Now whether that is him bailing on clean pockets and running or not being protected long enough for players to get open; or players not being able to get open at all. That is a different discussion. All we know is Justin Fields passed for 2,242 yards. That would be one of the lowest among starters in the NFL.
One thing is obvious, Justin Fields needs help if he is to be the guy for the Chicago Bears. So who are some options that made a name for themselves down in Mobile on the offensive side? Let's take a look.
The first name that needs to be mentioned is Stanford wide receiver, Michael Wilson. Wilson had a rather modest career at Stanford amassing 1,662 yards and 11 touchdowns in his 5 years there. However, he shined during the one-on-one portion of practice day in and day out. He was able to gain separation at will and showed reliable hands.
The urgency Wilson showed in his breaks along with the ability to gain separation, could be a much needed boost for the Bears offense.
The second player is an interesting one as he would most likely come at the cost of saying good bye to an existing Bear. If the Bears decide to move on from Cody Whitehair, they may look to another Cody to replace him. This one would be North Dakota State offensive lineman Cody Mauch. Mauch played tackle in college, but many project him as a guard at the next level. He took reps all over the offensive line in practice this week, some even at center. He showed the ability to get out on the move, the ability to finish defenders in the dirt and so much more.
Mauch is a versatile offensive linemen who showed he can play a variety of spots in Mobile. His movement ability favors well to a outside zone scheme, he would just need to be taught the proper technique.
For the last player we will dip back to the offensive linemen well and talk about Tennessee Chattanooga offensive linemen McClendon Curtis. In his final season at Chattanooga, Curtis showed he can play left tackle and right guard; that continued at the Senior Bowl as well. Curtis was consistently gaining leverage on defenders. He was one of the most consistent offensive lineman on a day to day basis down in Mobile.
© Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
