Promising new Bears' offensive lineman had a GREAT start to his career in Chicago.
The Chicago Bears claimed Alex Leatherwood off waivers on August 31st from the Las Vegas Raiders. It came as a surprise to many that a team would willingly pick up the former 1st round pick's contract. After all, he had such a difficult season as a rookie. Well, GM Ryan Poles explained that Leatherwood's talent was too good to pass on.
After medical problems, Leatherwood did not see many snaps so far with the Bears. As we have seen before this season, the Chicago Bears went to a rotation on the offensive line, switching between starter Riley Reiff and backup Alex Leatherwood at right tackle. But, for the first time season, Leatherwood played meaningful snaps in a game with the Bears
He held up well on the outside, even crushing a rusher to give quarterback Justin Fields enough time to deliver a 56-yard strike to Equanimeous St. Brown.
«It felt good. I had a lot of fun playing," Leatherwood said after the loss. "The loss sucks but I enjoyed myself.»
Getting back in playing shape was the most challenging part for him, but he feels like he's very close to being back to where he needs to be.
«Just trying to learn the offensive scheme, learn the playstyle and the philosophy of this staff," Leatherwood said. "Things like that. Getting more comfortable and confident in where I am as a player, whether it be left tackle, right tackle, inside. Just executing at a high level.
«I feel like I'm good. Definitely could get better. It's a process every day. Doesn't come back over night.»
Leatherwood likely will continue to rotate with Reiff and could see expanded playing time if he continues to impress.
"We'll let it grow naturally and see where it goes in practice and see how he performs in the games," Eberflus said. "And if he keeps performing like he did, he'll get more reps and more reps and compete for that spot."
| POLL | ||
9 DECEMBRE | 70 ANSWERS Promising new Bears' offensive lineman had a GREAT start to his career in Chicago. Will Alex Leatherwood be part of the Bears' future on the offensive line? | ||
| Yes | 58 | 82.9 % |
| No | 12 | 17.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
