Bears’ backup stepping up in a clutch moment further shows why a second-round rookie has currently fallen out of favor with coaches
Theo Benedet stepped up.
Something that went unnoticed during the Chicago Bears’ win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3 was the stellar play of the offensive line. Not hearing anyone mentioned up front during a game is a good thing, and something that hasn’t happened often for the Bears.
In fact, Sunday’s game was the first time quarterback Caleb Williams was not sacked since being drafted by the Bears. All credit goes to the big guys up front, and left tackle Braxton Jones stood out in a noticeable way.
But Jones isn’t the only offensive lineman worthy of praise for his efforts in Week 3. Backup swing tackle Theo Benedet played a great game as well, showing how improved the depth is up front.
Theo Benedet stepped up after Darnell Wright’s brief injury with Ozzy Trapilo inactive
Benedet entered into the game for just 12 offensive snaps, but made the most of his opportunities. The former undrafted free agent played one snap as a sixth offensive lineman and 11 snaps at right tackle in place of Darnell Wright, who briefly left the game with an elbow injury.
Stepping in for Wright came in a critical situation. Benedet entered the game and then played during the two-minute drill before the half on a seven-play drive that ended with a touchdown to tight end Cole Kmet. Benedet played a total of four pass blocking snaps and did not give up any pressure.
In the meantime, second-round rookie tackle Ozzy Trapilo was a healthy inactive for the third straight game. Heading into Week 1, general manager Ryan Poles noted Trapilo hit a “rookie wall” during training camp that allowed Benedet to step up and earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
Last week, head coach Ben Johnson added more encouraging reviews of how the rookie is looking in practice and how he could eventually be called upon to help the team.
“He’s getting better every day,” Johnson said of Trapilo last week. “I just made a comment to the O-line coaches this morning about how much better he looks in the individual and some of the run stuff that we’re doing on Wednesdays in pads. He’s really showing up. So, he’s coming along. And there will be a point this season where he’s playing for us. Is that this week or a few weeks down the road? I don’t know, but he’s preparing as if he’s ready to go.”
Yet, as of right now, Benedet is the one above Trapilo and making the most of his opportunities on the practice field and now on game days. This in no way discredits Trapilo and his development; it’s simply a sign of how improved the entire depth of the offensive line is compared to previous seasons.
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