Chicago Bears Grades: Revamped OL shows promise in win over Chiefs

The Chicago Bears won a nailbiter over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3’s preseason game, thanks to a last-second touchdown throw by Tyson Bagent.

By that point in the game, Bagent was operating the offense behind second- and third-string offensive linemen. And while depth players are critical to a team’s overall success, I was more interested in how the starting offensive linemen fared against the Chiefs’ defense.

Four of the five Chicago Bears’ starting offensive linemen took the field in this game: LT Braxton Jones, C Drew Dalman, RG Jonah Jackson, and RT Darnell Wright.

I broke down their film and assigned a BearsTalk Grade (BTG) to each player, and the outcome was promising. The Bears’ offensive line looks very different from a year ago.

Darnell Wright led the way vs. Chiefs

If there’s one guy on the Chicago Bears who doesn’t seem to get the credit he deserves, it’s Wright.

The 2023 first-round pick has been a rock-solid right tackle over the last two seasons, and his performance against the Chiefs suggests he’ll have another fine year in 2025.

Wright was my highest-graded offensive lineman of the four starters (82.2), highlighted by a near-elite 88.4 pass block grade. He was really good in the run game, too, scoring a 75.0.

Jonah Jackson is back to his Pro Bowl form

Jackson was a really pleasant surprise in this game. I was impressed by his movement skills and power at the point of attack against a talented Chiefs defensive line.

The Bears’ decision to trade for Jackson was heavily scrutinized after his failed tenure with the Rams, but his time with the Lions was a different story. He was a Pro Bowler under Ben Johnson, and he looked like that guy once again against the Chiefs.

Jackson finished the game with a 78.4 BTG. He scored a ‘great’ 82.3 in pass protection, and his 73.8 run blocking score was strong.

Drew Dalman is a massive upgrade at center

Dalman wasn’t perfect in Week 3’s preseason win, but man… what a sight for the sore eyes of Bears fans who’ve watched horrendous center play over the last few years.

Dalman ended the Chiefs game with a 74.0 BTG. His 80.2 pass-blocking grade was his top mark. He was victimized a bit by the power of Kansas City’s d-line, which relegated his run-blocking grade to a 67.7, but, again, that’s a massive upgrade from what Chicago is used to.

What I liked most about Dalman’s performance was how aware he is on the field. His head is on a constant swivel, looking for the free rusher or the next guy to block. He plays up to his high football IQ reputation.

Braxton Jones could be worse

Jones finished with the lowest BearsTalk Grade of the four starters. His 67.4 was the product of a 72.1 pass-blocking score and a 61.3 run-blocking grade.

Jones was fine. He wasn’t terrible. Sure, there were a few negative plays that, if he tallied a full snap count like a regular season game, could add up and bring his overall grade down. But there were enough good reps to feel comfortable that he’s all the way back from his fractured ankle and ready to start in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Power remains a problem for Jones, however. He simply won’t be able to fend off the NFL’s best bull-rushers. Let’s hope the Bears realize that, too.

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