Where have the Bears observed the most significant growth in Braxton Jones as he enters his second year?
Last season, left tackle Braxton Jones was thrown into the fray by the Bears. As a fifth-round pick from Southern Utah, Jones faced initial challenges, conceding four sacks and 20 pressures in his first six matches.
However, he persisted. His performance improved notably, yielding only two sacks and eight pressures in the last five games of the season.
Jones' off-season was geared towards fortifying his defenses against bullrushes, honing his hand placement, and bettering his anchor. His methodical approach to improvement impressed the Bears, making him appear almost unrecognizable from the rookie who endured a tough season with 40 pressures and seven sacks.
While Jones' technique has matured, his most commendable progress is in his mental acumen.
Chris Morgan, the offensive line coach, pointed out at Halas Hall, "His confidence has soared. Now, he doesn't just comprehend his role; he can contextualize it within the team's strategy. He's more adept at grasping changing scenarios, be it in play calls or defensive shifts. It's evident he's invested time and is also emerging as a guiding figure."
This newfound confidence enables Jones to approach the game with more fluidity. As he heads into this season, he's keen to establish himself as an integral part of the Bears' restructure under general manager Ryan Poles.
Post-huddle, Jones now possesses an enhanced comprehension of gameplay nuances. "The broader understanding is like a revelation," Jones explained. "Revisiting certain playbook strategies the second time, I see the logic behind defense moves, boosting my confidence."
In 2022, amidst all the changes in the Bears' offensive line, Jones was the unchanging factor. He was involved in every offensive play, which is noteworthy for someone initially seen as a potential prospect.
The recent training camp had the Bears' "best five" for their offensive line, yet they've barely practiced together in full gear. Among them, Jones remains the sole fully fit player.
The Bears have had to shuffle their lineup due to injuries. In the upcoming preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills, Jones is likely to team up with Cody Whitehair, provided Whitehair's hand injury doesn't sideline him. Doug Kramer, Ja'Tyre Carter, and Larry Borom could fill in the remaining spots.
Jones's outlook is resolute. Regarding the frequent changes in the line-up, he remarked, "You adapt and move forward. What happened in the past stays there. If a new member joins or if there's any change, my focus remains undeterred. My primary aim is to be game-ready."
A few months back, questions surrounded Jones's role and long-term viability. However, as the Bears gear up to face the Green Bay Packers in just over two weeks, Jones stands firm as a cornerstone for the team.
Year 2 brings a different vibe for both Jones and the Bears. Now, it's about translating these changes into tangible results on the field.
| POLL | ||
25 AOUT | 27 ANSWERS Where have the Bears observed the most significant growth in Braxton Jones as he enters his second year? Will Braxton Jones be a solid starter? | ||
| Yes | 19 | 70.4 % |
| No | 8 | 29.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
