How the extended play of JMarcus Webb at left tackle, in addition to about three full quarters for Chris Williams at right tackle and Chris Spencer at left guard most of the first half, have left coaches curious after tape review.
Whether the Bears reopen the competition between Webb and Williams at left tackle will be worth a look when practice resumes Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. in Bourbonnais. They probably won't, but offensive coordinator Mike Tice has not minced words or deeds trying to get Webb to a level that will work in the NFL.
Williams has not necessarily earned a mini-promotion just because Webb wasnt a dominator.
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It was just the first week of preseason, just a starting point, Williams said. Just have to work hard and get better. I didnt feel like I played a long time but it was fun being out there.
What is of real concern is that the Bears running backs netted just 16 rushing yards while Webb and Williams (and Gabe Carimi briefly in the first quarter) were staffing the tackle spots, largely against Denver reserves.
Best guess is that the Broncos would have picked up a bit more if left tackle Ryan Clady had been going against Bears scrubs that long. Clady is a two-time All-Pro. The Bears do not have an All-Pro tackle on their roster, if Thursday was any indicator.