Questions Remain As Bears O-Line Starts Take Shape

By Rob Winn in News on Aug 3, 2012 7:20PM

Bears training camp rolls along and the battle for left tackle is starting to work itself out. On Thursday J'Marcus Webb worked with the first team for the third straight day, leading to speculation that the fight for the starting spot is all but over. That would leave Chris Williams as the backup swing tackle with Gabe Carimi starting at right tackle.

Even though the starters for the O-line are becoming more clear, questions still remain. Will Webb be able to handle premier pass rushers? He looked overwhelmed at times last year and it only takes one break down to result in a Jay Cutler injury. Only time will tell if he's improved over the offseason, but right now it looks as if the position is his to lose.

Also, will Gabe Carimi's knee allow him to play an entire season? The Bears have taken a cautious approach with Carimi,limiting his reps at practice. He has also admitted to still "having slight discomfort in the leg." If Carimi can't stay healthy, it would weaken the line in the same way it did last year.

As many have pointed out, offensive coordinator Mike Tice will help the line by eliminating some of Mike Martz's more adventurous passing plays and installing designed quarterback rollouts. But at some point this line is going to have to step up and protect Cutler as he waits for his receivers to get open. It would be disastrous if Cutler continues to take as many hits as he has in the past and doesn't have time to get the ball out of his hand.

On a side note: If you're interested in supporting JWebb as he tries to hold down Cutler's blind side, pick up a JWebb Nation T-shirt for the low-low price of $30. And from we can tell, no, the profits don't go to charity.