Chicago Bears: The Center Battle Settled Before It Commences
After a disappointing 3-14 season, Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles was determined to revamp the roster. Armed with an impressive $100 million in salary cap space and 10 draft picks, including the top overall pick, Poles made significant moves. The roster now boasts a wealth of talent and improved depth, primed to handle injuries more effectively in 2023.
With the influx of new players, competition naturally arises, leading to battles for starting spots throughout the offseason and preseason games. One highly anticipated battle was expected at the center position. Cody Whitehair and Lucas Patrick were set to compete for the crucial role of snapping the football to quarterback Justin Fields. We even covered it in a recent article.
However, it appears that this anticipated battle won't materialize. With the signing of guard Nate Davis, right guard Teven Jenkins shifted to the left side, and Whitehair, who played right guard last season, assumed the center position.
Patrick was originally signed as the starting center last season, but his hopes were dashed by a broken thumb on his snapping hand, sidelining him for training camp and all preseason games. While he eventually recovered from the thumb injury, a toe injury shut him down for the remainder of the season.
Now, despite Patrick's regained health, it seems he won't get the opportunity to start at center�at least, that's the impression we get from head coach Matt Eberflus. Eberflus acknowledged Cody as the current starter and noted Lucas' valuable experience. Accuracy in snaps is key, and both players have excelled in that aspect.
So, it appears the battle for the center position is all but settled. The Chicago Bears are looking to improve at center, as previous starter Sam Mustipher failed to meet expectations. With Whitehair assuming the role, there is already familiarity and experience at the position. He spent his first two seasons as a center before alternating between guard and center. Now, he shifts back to center once again.
Meanwhile, Patrick will serve as the backup center while also providing depth along all three interior line positions. Eberflus mentioned that Patrick will compete for all three starting jobs, but we should take that statement with a grain of salt. Teven Jenkins had a strong season as a guard last year and seems better suited for that role. Additionally, Davis, the free agent signee, is expected to start unless his performance completely falters.
In the end, the Chicago Bears have found their center in Cody Whitehair, solidifying the position with a strong duo including Lucas Patrick as backup. The team's offseason roster revamp has set the stage for a promising 2023 season, with renewed hope and anticipation for success on the gridiron.
| POLL | ||
15 JUIN | 50 ANSWERS Chicago Bears: The Center Battle Settled Before It Commences Will the offensive line be better than last season? | ||
| Yes | 40 | 80 % |
| No | 10 | 20 % |
| List of polls | ||
