Bears fans were hoping heading into free agency that the team would make a signing or two to improve the offensive line. As it turned out, the offensive line took what most see as a step backward, not adding any starters other than center Chris Spencer, who replaces the departed Olin Kreutz.
Bears G.M. Jerry Angelo, however, says he stands by the line he’s put together.
“We made our bed,” Angelo told the Chicago Tribune. “We have to make it work. You can’t have stars at every position. It doesn’t work that way.”
The concerns of Bears fans aren’t about having stars, however. The concerns are that the line is no better this year than it was last year, when Jay Cutler was sacked 52 times.
Angelo says he has full confidence in the Bears’ offensive line coach.
“Mike Tice has a great track record of developing young players,” Angelo said. “He is a great evaluator, a great teacher and developer of players. We want to take advantage of his expertise and that’s why we want to start bringing these young guys along. Just because they are unknown doesn’t mean they won’t be good players. At some point the player has to start from the bottom and work his way up.”
Cutler had better hope the Bears’ line isn’t at the bottom for long.