The Chicago Bears decided to make the move to take Pro Bowl guard Kyle Long and move him to the right tackle position. The reasoning was because the Bears tackles were weak and needed an upgrade.
The problem was, the Bears made the move just days before their season opener against the Green Bay Packers. And the result was Long struggling in his first season at the position. Many wondered if the move was long-term or just an experiment for the Bears. Well we now have our answer.
Long told reporters on Thursday that he will indeed be back at tackle next season. The question remains which spot however:
#Bears Kyle Long just told reporters he's been told he'll play tackle next year. Doesn't know which side yet. #BearsTalk
— Chris Boden (@BodenTweets) December 31, 2015
Not many teams would make a move like that, especially with a Pro Bowl player established at a position. Without Long, the Bears have a created a hole at right guard and left tackle as well.
We highlighted a key stat for Long after the Minnesota game about his struggles as he’s given up 9.5 sacks this season. Long did play better against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last Sunday and will have another shot at improving this season against the Detroit Lions in the regular season finale.
One has to wonder if the move is worth it, as it does come at the right time with Long still being a young player. We also have to wait and see how Long does after a full offseason working at tackle, compared to just learning on the fly like he did this season.
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