For Chicago Bears, It's Offensive Line or Bust

Well that wasn’t pretty.

For all the attention paid to the additions of Julius Peppers, Mike Martz, the healthy duo of Tommie Harris and Brian Urlacher, and of course the daily studying of Jay Cutler, Bears nation forgot about one very, very important piece of the 2010 version of the Monsters of the Midway.

If Chris Williams and the offensive line were feeling left out of the headlines, they need not worry after the Bears 32 -17, five sack first half, debacle Saturday night.

Second year starter Chris Williams was the headliner, allowing four sacks in a variety of embarrassing ways. Whether bull rushing, spinning, or dipping, Raiders outside linebacker Kamerion Wimbley did his best Lawrence Taylor impersonation.

Time will tell if Wimbley, who was traded for a third-round pick in the offseason and left for dead by the Cleveland Browns, will have his day in Canton, but it’s fair to say Chris Williams’s performance was the best thing to happen to Wimbley since U2 performed in 2009. Oh wait, that was Wembley.

Even more alarming, in an offensive system predicated on five step drops and deep routes, the o-line will be called on more than ever to provide sustained protection for Cutler.

Now this is not a waving of the white flag article. Fear not Bears fans, not everything went wrong at Soldier field. Matt Forte flashed a burst that’s been missing since his rookie season in a run set up by a gaping hole left by the offensive line.

Jay Cutler also had a solid performance in his portrayal of a matador, ducking and dodging red-raging Raiders defensive lineman, all while throwing 7-of-15 for 99 yards and a side stepping touchdown throw to Johnny Knox, Fred Astaire would have been proud of.

Julius Peppers also displayed some of the dominance Bears fans have been waiting to see. Peppers was around the ball recording five tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble.

Even with the star power of these names, they all take a back seat to Chris Williams and the offensive line. The mark of a good offensive lineman is anonymity. If the same story continues, Chris Williams will be getting plenty of air time. And that’s definitely not Oscar worthy.