Week 11: BEARS vs. Baltimore Ravens

[raw]

Deon Bush and oh yeah, TEVEN JENKINS are practicing today, opening up their 21 day window to return to the active roster.

 

Be interesting to see where/if they'll play Jenkins. I'd move Whitehair back to center (bench Mustipher) and probably put Jenkins at LT, with Peters sliding inside to LG. But I'm going to assume they'll put Jenkins at LG because the 39-year old vet with no future on the team has earned respect or something

[WrigleyField 22]

I have a feeling they won't rush Jenkins back. If he's not active for this week, then you probably don't make his first week back a weird prep week with a Thanksgiving day game. Let him return on a more normal schedule with the Cardinal games. Maybe as a backup against the Cards and even Pack. Starts the last 4 then. Much easier opponents to start back into, and maybe he can get some 6th lineman action against Arizona/GB.

 

That's assuming injuries elsewhere don't change the calculus.

[raw]

I have a feeling they won't rush Jenkins back. If he's not active for this week, then you probably don't make his first week back a weird prep week with a Thanksgiving day game. Let him return on a more normal schedule with the Cardinal games. Maybe as a backup against the Cards and even Pack. Starts the last 4 then. Much easier opponents to start back into, and maybe he can get some 6th lineman action against Arizona/GB.

 

That's assuming injuries elsewhere don't change the calculus.

 

Ah yeah, forgot about the Thanksgiving game. But the Bears weren't shy at all about getting Borom in there quickly. Granted, much different injury situations and Jenkins hasn't practiced since like June; but Borom missed a bunch of camp, almost all of preseason then just had 10 snaps in week 1 before 7 weeks off and only needed 2-3 practices before getting a start. And the Bears have been pretty consistent with guys being activated the Sunday (Monday in Montgomery's case) after starting their return from IR window.

[UMFan83]

For an offensive lineman, can you learn the blocking schemes simply by studying them or is the playbook something that needs to be learned by actually practicing and playing in games? I'd hate to throw Jenkins out there at LT and protecting Fields with little practice time. I would expect the Bears to use the entire 21 day window for Jenkins. Edited November 15, 2021 by UMFan83

[WrigleyField 22]

It's possible but Jenkins definitely seems to have the riskiest injury to come back from along with the longest layoff. A high ankle sprain should basically be healed when its healed, maybe just with some lingering soreness, but you tape up. Back has a much higher risk of reinjuring it seems.

[d_money]

It's possible but Jenkins definitely seems to have the riskiest injury to come back from along with the longest layoff. A high ankle sprain should basically be healed when its healed, maybe just with some lingering soreness, but you tape up. Back has a much higher risk of reinjuring it seems.

Jimbo Covert had the same surgery as Jenkins had. He basically said it’s a crapshoot, long recovery. Covert had it towards the end of his career then retired shortly thereafter.

 

Granted, medical technology has increased significantly since coverts surgery but still - doesn’t bode well for Jenkins based on Coverts comments.

[WrigleyField 22]

For an offensive lineman, can you learn the blocking schemes simply by studying them or is the playbook something that needs to be learned by actually practicing and playing in games? I'd hate to throw Jenkins out there at LT and protecting Fields with little practice time. I would expect the Bears to use the entire 21 day window for Jenkins.

I mean there's definitely something to be learned from paper, but yea a guy needs reps.

 

I can make the case for a lot of different alignments. Unfortunately in a perfect world Peters would be sat, but he's been the best lineman and ya you wanna protect Fields pocket.

 

So Mustipher is the weakest link, but that creates probably the most movement in alignment.

 

I'm not too worried about L/R alignment between Borom and Jenkins. So I keep Borom at RT. If Peters stays at LT, and Mustipher out then Daniels or Whitehair has to move to C. Whitehair probably has had more success there and then you avoid two rookies next to each other.

 

So:

Peters-Jenkins-Whitehair-Daniels-Borom

 

But I could make the case to move Daniels to C. I could also could make the case to get Jenkins in at RT if they think thats where he ultimately ends up.

 

Or I say forget L/R alignment. If Borom looks good at RT don't mess with it. Stick with the (presumably original) plan of Jenkins at LT, but play him at G the rest of this year. Still gets work on the L/R muscle memory, just from the inside spot, then kicks out to T in 2022. And you prioritize stabilizing LG next to him in FA in 22.

[Old Style]

I'd be shocked if they put Jenkins at LT (barring any injuries) this season for multiple reasons.

[pitchcs]

Unless there's an IR deadline, why wouldn't you wait as close to when a player is ready to start the 21 day window? Doing it now makes me think he'll be out there vs. Ravens barring a setback in practice.

[UMFan83]

I'd be shocked if they put Jenkins at LT (barring any injuries) this season for multiple reasons.

 

I agree with the reasons of Fields' safety but if the Bears believe Jenkins is the LT of the future, and the season is lost I can see them pushing aside a 38 year old LT to give him reps.

 

Edit: Of course on 2nd thought, even if the Bears are eliminated from the playoffs, this FO and coaching regime may be trying to win as many games as possible to keep their jobs and ultimately they may not care about working in a rookie LT

Edited November 15, 2021 by UMFan83

[WrigleyField 22]

Unless there's an IR deadline, why wouldn't you wait as close to when a player is ready to start the 21 day window? Doing it now makes me think he'll be out there vs. Ravens barring a setback in practice.

I think theres certain practice restrictions on practice if he's still on IR. Now he's a full participant in practice.

 

Eta: this is from a 2020 memo, but I think this covers what a guy on IR can/can't do

Such players are limited to non-contact rehabilitative work under the supervision of the club’s trainer or physician. Pads and helmets are prohibited during such rehabilitative activities. Such players are permitted to attend team meetings, and may also attend, but not participate in, practice sessions.

Edited November 15, 2021 by WrigleyField 22

[jumbo]

I'd be shocked if they put Jenkins at LT (barring any injuries) this season for multiple reasons.

 

I agree with the reasons of Fields' safety but if the Bears believe Jenkins is the LT of the future, and the season is lost I can see them pushing aside a 38 year old LT to give him reps.

 

Edit: Of course on 2nd thought, even if the Bears are eliminated from the playoffs, this FO and coaching regime may be trying to win as many games as possible to keep their jobs and ultimately they may not care about working in a rookie LT

 

When Peters was getting up to speed a couple former OL said they could understand platooning Peters and Borom to let Peters get his legs under him. Maybe pick a couple drives and let Jenkins get out there and otherwise keep Peters as the starter. At this point I'd be pleasantly surprised if Jenkins can manage to look good even in a limited sample this season considering many looked at this as a lost season for him.

[pitchcs]

Unless there's an IR deadline, why wouldn't you wait as close to when a player is ready to start the 21 day window? Doing it now makes me think he'll be out there vs. Ravens barring a setback in practice.

I think theres certain practice restrictions on practice if he's still on IR. Now he's a full participant in practice.

 

Eta: this is from a 2020 memo, but I think this covers what a guy on IR can/can't do

Such players are limited to non-contact rehabilitative work under the supervision of the club’s trainer or physician. Pads and helmets are prohibited during such rehabilitative activities. Such players are permitted to attend team meetings, and may also attend, but not participate in, practice sessions.

 

That makes sense. Why did they feel the need to include the team meetings part? I mean why would being on IR restrict you from that?

[WrigleyField 22]

Unless there's an IR deadline, why wouldn't you wait as close to when a player is ready to start the 21 day window? Doing it now makes me think he'll be out there vs. Ravens barring a setback in practice.

I think theres certain practice restrictions on practice if he's still on IR. Now he's a full participant in practice.

 

Eta: this is from a 2020 memo, but I think this covers what a guy on IR can/can't do

Such players are limited to non-contact rehabilitative work under the supervision of the club’s trainer or physician. Pads and helmets are prohibited during such rehabilitative activities. Such players are permitted to attend team meetings, and may also attend, but not participate in, practice sessions.

 

That makes sense. Why did they feel the need to include the team meetings part? I mean why would being on IR restrict you from that?

Probably just a best practice to be as clear as possible and leave nothing up to interpretation.

[WrigleyField 22]

I'd be shocked if they put Jenkins at LT (barring any injuries) this season for multiple reasons.

 

I agree with the reasons of Fields' safety but if the Bears believe Jenkins is the LT of the future, and the season is lost I can see them pushing aside a 38 year old LT to give him reps.

 

Edit: Of course on 2nd thought, even if the Bears are eliminated from the playoffs, this FO and coaching regime may be trying to win as many games as possible to keep their jobs and ultimately they may not care about working in a rookie LT

 

When Peters was getting up to speed a couple former OL said they could understand platooning Peters and Borom to let Peters get his legs under him. Maybe pick a couple drives and let Jenkins get out there and otherwise keep Peters as the starter. At this point I'd be pleasantly surprised if Jenkins can manage to look good even in a limited sample this season considering many looked at this as a lost season for him.

Yea a platoon isn't the worst idea I guess. If Jenkins handles it well then you keep him at LT and. Never worry about this Borom/Jenkins switching thing.

[raw]

For an offensive lineman, can you learn the blocking schemes simply by studying them or is the playbook something that needs to be learned by actually practicing and playing in games? I'd hate to throw Jenkins out there at LT and protecting Fields with little practice time. I would expect the Bears to use the entire 21 day window for Jenkins.

I mean there's definitely something to be learned from paper, but yea a guy needs reps.

 

I can make the case for a lot of different alignments. Unfortunately in a perfect world Peters would be sat, but he's been the best lineman and ya you wanna protect Fields pocket.

 

So Mustipher is the weakest link, but that creates probably the most movement in alignment.

 

I'm not too worried about L/R alignment between Borom and Jenkins. So I keep Borom at RT. If Peters stays at LT, and Mustipher out then Daniels or Whitehair has to move to C. Whitehair probably has had more success there and then you avoid two rookies next to each other.

 

So:

Peters-Jenkins-Whitehair-Daniels-Borom

 

But I could make the case to move Daniels to C. I could also could make the case to get Jenkins in at RT if they think thats where he ultimately ends up.

 

Or I say forget L/R alignment. If Borom looks good at RT don't mess with it. Stick with the (presumably original) plan of Jenkins at LT, but play him at G the rest of this year. Still gets work on the L/R muscle memory, just from the inside spot, then kicks out to T in 2022. And you prioritize stabilizing LG next to him in FA in 22.

 

I'd probably do that line you suggest, putting Jenkins at LG. One thing to remember though is that Jason Peters played guard last year for the Eagles, I believe it was on the right side though. I do think Whitehair at C makes much more sense than Daniels, not only because he played the position better previously, but also because he's under contract for 2022 unlike Daniels.

[WrigleyField 22]

For an offensive lineman, can you learn the blocking schemes simply by studying them or is the playbook something that needs to be learned by actually practicing and playing in games? I'd hate to throw Jenkins out there at LT and protecting Fields with little practice time. I would expect the Bears to use the entire 21 day window for Jenkins.

I mean there's definitely something to be learned from paper, but yea a guy needs reps.

 

I can make the case for a lot of different alignments. Unfortunately in a perfect world Peters would be sat, but he's been the best lineman and ya you wanna protect Fields pocket.

 

So Mustipher is the weakest link, but that creates probably the most movement in alignment.

 

I'm not too worried about L/R alignment between Borom and Jenkins. So I keep Borom at RT. If Peters stays at LT, and Mustipher out then Daniels or Whitehair has to move to C. Whitehair probably has had more success there and then you avoid two rookies next to each other.

 

So:

Peters-Jenkins-Whitehair-Daniels-Borom

 

But I could make the case to move Daniels to C. I could also could make the case to get Jenkins in at RT if they think thats where he ultimately ends up.

 

Or I say forget L/R alignment. If Borom looks good at RT don't mess with it. Stick with the (presumably original) plan of Jenkins at LT, but play him at G the rest of this year. Still gets work on the L/R muscle memory, just from the inside spot, then kicks out to T in 2022. And you prioritize stabilizing LG next to him in FA in 22.

 

I'd probably do that line you suggest, putting Jenkins at LG. One thing to remember though is that Jason Peters played guard last year for the Eagles, I believe it was on the right side though. I do think Whitehair at C makes much more sense than Daniels, not only because he played the position better previously, but also because he's under contract for 2022 unlike Daniels.

I've read Peters did not look good at G last year for whatever thag is worth.

 

You could always just keep it real simple and just go a straight Peters for Jenkins swap so that you minimize shuffling. If you have a lot of confidence in Jenkins, maybe thats a valid approach. Certainly Peters has to be on the bottom of potential 2022 Bears.

[raw]

 

This sounds like the plan is to make him the swing tackle for now.

[WrigleyField 22]

 

This sounds like the plan is to make him the swing tackle for now.

 

I meant to ask the other day...What were Daniels' issues at center? Was it aptitude, strength, movement, something else?

 

I like the Jenkins at LG idea, but this swing tackle idea might be the higher upside play? If he comes in and shows competence, there's a 40 YO LT with G experience playing a 17 game schedule who may not mind shifting inside to close the season

Apparently it was making line calls. Possibly related to youth/inexperience, but also apparently literally that he was to quiet.

[raw]

 

This sounds like the plan is to make him the swing tackle for now.

 

I meant to ask the other day...What were Daniels' issues at center? Was it aptitude, strength, movement, something else?

 

I like the Jenkins at LG idea, but this swing tackle idea might be the higher upside play? If he comes in and shows competence, there's a 40 YO LT with G experience playing a 17 game schedule who may not mind shifting inside to close the season

Apparently it was making line calls. Possibly related to youth/inexperience, but also apparently literally that he was to quiet.

 

Yeah, I read the biggest issue was that they simply couldn't hear him make the line calls, while also having trouble with the calls as a rookie, wasn't a good combo. Seems weird as he was a center at one of the best coached OL schools for 3 years. It's not like he never did it before or was calling them out for a small school with 6000 people in the stands.

[Wilson A2000]

For an offensive lineman, can you learn the blocking schemes simply by studying them or is the playbook something that needs to be learned by actually practicing and playing in games? I'd hate to throw Jenkins out there at LT and protecting Fields with little practice time. I would expect the Bears to use the entire 21 day window for Jenkins.

 

No reason to rush back Jenkins with Peters playing pretty well. Give him a few weeks.

[David]

 

 

well, i'm sold.

[WrigleyField 22]

 

 

well, i'm sold.

Who stole from who?

[Brian707]

Nah, they will finish 6-11

[UMFan83]

Yeah it’s this dude again. What else do we have to talk about with the Bears