Latest news with #JonahJackson
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears QB Caleb Williams taking responsibility to limit sacks
In his rookie season, Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears took a league-high 68 sacks, the most in franchise history, and a telling sign of a poor season for everyone involved. The Bears prioritized the offensive line this offseason, bringing in three new starting offensive linemen in veteran guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, as well as signing free-agent center Drew Dalman to help fix the interior of the line. While the offensive line was a big part of Williams being sacked a franchise-record 68 times, not all the blame falls on the line. Williams took responsibility and blame for his play that allowed some of those sacks, and he understands needing to improve his own play. Williams recently discussed where he'll have to develop his game and do better at not allowing opposing defenses to get sacks on him. "Part of it is my footwork and that lining up with the play," Williams said. "That helps accelerate the clock for me. The other part is being decisive, making a decision. The other part is also taking what the defense gives me. Not trying to find that big play every time and be the young cat wanting to go get that big play, big scramble play. Sometimes it's just the check down of the ball, the flat, the second read that may not be something more than five yards." While having to learn a new offense, Williams is showing understanding and acknowledgement of areas that are open for improvement in his game. If he can work with new head coach Ben Johnson to fix his timing and decision making, along with the offensive line relationship, there should be a decrease in the amount of sacks allowed on the young Bears quarterback in Year 2. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears QB Caleb Williams taking responsibility to limit sacks
CBS News
5 days ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Caleb Williams sharp in practice as Bears prepare for joint practice and preseason game vs. Bills
It was a fairly light, unpadded practice for the Bears on Thursday ahead of the Bills coming to town on Friday. Quarterback Caleb Williams was sharp in limited reps, looking good in both the red zone and the end of practice two-minute drill where he hit Rome Odunze multiple times to set up a game-winning field goal. That connection has been especially good over the last two days. Right guard Jonah Jackson, who's played with a couple solid quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff, has been impressed with Williams so far. "I think he's been on his stuff since day one," Jackson said. "I've been around veteran quarterbacks my entire career, and he has the same way about himself like these guys, and he carries himself. He's a good leader, guys respect him, and … having a new offense is definitely something to adjust to, but I feel like he's doing great." Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter says he's still nowhere close to the type of player he wants to be as he works to improve in year three, while learning the new defense under coordinator Dennis Allen. One big focus for Dexter is helping the Bears be better against the run after they faded down the stretch last year. "That's a bigger motivator for me, myself, because I played in the interior defensive line, and that's where it starts at," he said. "If you can't stop the run, I look at it as that's my job, that's our job, but exactly mine. So we've got to be better. I feel like we're going to be a lot better for sure." The team's latest left tackle rotation continued for the second straight day. Theo Benedet and Braxton Jones continued to split reps with the first team, while Ozzy Trapilo continued to work as the second team right tackle. Head coach Ben Johnson gave the Bears another fun end to practice, with offensive lineman playing receiver going one on one with defensive linemen. Darnell Wright caught a fade over Montez Sweat and Joe Thuney beat Grady Jarrett for a catch. Jonah Jackson was unable to haul his in against Andrew Billings, but did think he ran a good route, calling it a 50/50 ball from Williams.
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
30 Most Important Bears of 2025: Jonah Jackson (No. 24)
The Chicago Bears are gearing up for an exciting 2025 NFL season, which features some new faces within the organization poised to get the franchise back to its winning ways. That starts with the hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach, as well as overhauling the interior offensive line, adding pieces on defense and a potenital impactful rookie draft class. Every day from now right up through training camp, we're counting down our 30 Most Important Bears for the 2025 season. We'll recap their 2024 season, look ahead to 2025 and tackle the biggest question facing them this year. At No. 24 is Jonah Jackson, the team's new starting right guard who is part of the recent overhaul of the offensive line. Background Position: Guard Age: 28 Experience: 6th season 2025 cap hit: $14.75 million 2024 recap It's safe to say the 2024 season did not go as planned for Jackson. After spending four seasons with the Detroit Lions, Jackson inked a lucrative three-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason to shore up their offensive line. Jackson wound up shifting positions and was named the starting center for Week 1. He played just two games before exiting due to injury with a broken scapula, missing two months of action. When Jackson was ready to return, the Rams had seemingly moved on without him. Rookie Beaux Limmer had filled in well during Jackson's absence, but head coach Sean McVay gave the veteran a chance to get back on the field. It lasted just one week, as Jackson struggled in his first game back at center and was effectively benched for Limmer. Jackson started just one more game the entire season and became an expensive backup. 2025 outlook With Jackson falling out of favor in Los Angeles, he became a predictable trade target early in the offseason. The Bears swooped in and acquired him for a 2025 sixth-round pick to be their starting right guard. The Bears also added a year to Jackson's deal, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season. This will be Jackson's third different position on the offensive line in three years, which could pose a challenge as he gets reacclimated to playing the right side regularly. He made one start at right guard to end the 2024 season. Jackson's best seasons came with Johnson as his offensive coordinator from their days with the Lions, so hopefully he can return to form as one of the better interior protectors in the conference. Big question: Will Jackson return to his early-career form? The NFL is a "what have you done for me lately?" kind of league, and that question is pertinent for Jackson given his recent history. His tenure with the Rams was a disaster, and they were happy to move off from him for just a Day 3 selection just one year after he signed a multi-year deal. Even more interesting is that the Rams brought back Coleman Shelton to be their starting center instead of trying to work with Jackson again. The sample size is too small to say whether or not Jackson could have been effective last season as a starting guard. He played just 266 snaps all season, a far cry from his usual totals. But he'll need to prove that 2024 was an anomaly and not something that will continue. Johnson obviously believes in Jackson's abilities, and playing next to Drew Dalman and Darnell Wright should allow him to flourish. Jackson just needs to stay healthy. This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: 30 Most Important Bears of 2025: Jonah Jackson (No. 24)
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chicago Bears 2025 training camp preview: Offensive line
Chicago Bears training camp is just around the corner, which means it's time to start looking ahead at the roster the team is bringing to Lake Forest. We're unveiling our Bears 2025 training camp position previews, where we're breaking down every player by position and examining the biggest question facing the group. Advertisement Up next is offensive line, a position that received a major facelift in the offseason following a terrible 2024 season. With three new starters building the interior of the offensive line and a rookie looking to compete for starting left tackle, there's plenty to watch for in training camp. The team also hired Dan Roushar to be their offensive line coach, and he'll have the task to put all the new talent together and make the a successful unit in their first season together. Let's look at the Bears' offensive line heading into 2025 training camp: Drew Dalman Dec 24, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Atlanta Falcons center Drew Dalman (67) stands on the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports Signed this offseason to be the anchor at center, Drew Dalman comes with a well respected resume at the position. Considered one of the better centers in the league, Dalman will be called upon to be a veteran leader, create good chemistry with Caleb Williams, and get all new teammates on same page. Advertisement Joe Thuney A four-time Super Bowl champion, four-time All-Pro, and three-time Pro Bowl selection, Joe Thuney arrived in Chicago via a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs and his success is hard to match. After blocking up front for Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, Thuney has the talent and success to lead the charge for this line as one of the league's top left guards. Jonah Jackson LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 03: Jonah Jackson #73 of the Chicago Bears takes part in a drill with Chris Glaser #63 during Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workout at Halas Hall on June 03, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by) Jonah Jackson, acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, was a former player of new Bears head coach Ben Johnson when they were both in Detroit. Jackson's best season came with Johnson in 2021 when he made the Pro Bowl. Following last year's disaster at right guard, Jackson should be seen as an immediate upgrade. Advertisement Darnell Wright Darnell Wright is an unquestioned leader and rising star of the offensive line and a force at right tackle. While there had been discussions of moving him to left tackle, Wright will continue to play right tackle where he continues to grow and develop as one of the better young players at the position. Braxton Jones CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 04: Braxton Jones #70 of the Chicago Bears in action against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 04, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by) Braxton Jones is coming off ankle surgery that will have him limited to start training camp, and he's got competition chomping at the bit behind him from rookie Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie. Jones hasn't been a bad starting left tackle, he's just left more to be desired and may have a big battle ahead of him to keep his starting job. Advertisement Ozzy Trapilo LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - MAY 09: Ozzy Trapilo #75 of the Chicago Bears looks on during the Chicago Bears Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall on May 09, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by) A second-round pick in this year's draft, Ozzy Trapilo is seen as the biggest competition to Jones at the left tackle position. The rookie out of Boston College turned heads at rookie minicamp and with an impressive showing in training camp could earn the opportunity to start at left tackle. Kiran Amegadjie Kiran Amegadjie, a third-round pick in last year's draft, had a rookie season to forget. Held back by injuries to begin the season, Amegadjie was thrown to the wolves on short notice in a loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football late last season. There is still plenty of time for him to develop -- and he's in competition for the starting left tackle job -- but he likely does that in a reserve role. Advertisement Ryan Bates Hampered by injuries since arriving in Chicago last year, Ryan Bates is a versatile swing lineman who could not only bring depth but is able to fill in as a replacement at multiple positions. Bates spent his first five seasons with the Buffalo Bills but was coveted by general manager Ryan Poles. But the payoff hasn't been there yet. Doug Kramer Jr. Aug 22, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Chicago Bears center Doug Kramer Jr. (68) on the sidelines against the Kansas City Chiefs during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports Doug Kramer, a sixth-round pick of the Bears in 2022, has done well in holding a roster spot thus far but was involved in one of the worst plays of the season last year when he committed a fumble on the goal line in a loss to the Washington Commanders. Kramer has familiarity with the organization, which could keep him on the roster, but he'll face a battle to earn his spot. Advertisement Bill Murray After spending his first three seasons with the New England Patriots, Bill Murray came to Chicago last season, and is a formidable depth piece. He'll be behind Jonah Jackson at the right guard position, which could come in hand as Jackson has battled injuries over the last couple of seasons. Chris Glaser LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 04: Offensive line coach Dan Roushar gives instructions to Joshua Miles #78, Theo Benedet #79, Darnell Wright #58, Jonah Jackson #73 and Chris Glaser #63 during Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workout at Halas Hall on June 04, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by) Chris Glaser has spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, and two separate stints with the New York Jets before he was signed to the Bears practice squad last season. Glaser was signed to a reserve/future contract in January and is likely to be on the practice squad this year. Advertisement Theo Benedet A star in last year's HBO's 'Hard Knocks' with the Bears, Theo Benedet spent his first year in the NFL going undrafted but signed to the team's practice squad. He was signed to a reserve/future contract in January. Jordan McFadden LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 03: Jordan McFadden #74 of the Chicago Bears takes part in a drill during Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workout at Halas Hall on June 03, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by) A former fifth-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers, Jordan McFadden played in 12 games in his rookie season and started two of those games. He was waived by the Chargers at the end of last season and was claimed by the Bears shortly after. Joshua Miles Joshua Miles, a former seventh-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2019 NFL draft, has been around the league with multiple teams. His previous stops include the Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, and New York Giants, before he was signed to a reserve/future contract. Advertisement Luke Newman A sixth-round pick in this year's draft, Luke Newman started his collegiate career at Holy Cross before transferring to Michigan State last year. He started 12 games for the Spartans in his only year with them and was a participant of the East-West Shrine Bowl. Ricky Stromberg LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS - JUNE 03: Ricky Stromberg #67 of the Chicago Bears takes part in a drill with Jordan McFadden #74 during Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workout at Halas Hall on June 03, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by) A third-round pick of the Washington Commanders in 2023, Ricky Stromberg battled through injuries in his first two seasons that saw him on injured reserve more than once. He was signed to the Bears practice squad last year and is likely to be on the practice squad this season as well. Big Question: Will Ozzy Trapilo win the starting left tackle job? May 9, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive line Ozzy Trapilo (75) warms up during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images The most interesting battle coming into training camp will undoubtedly be the fight for the starting left tackle position between Braxton Jones, Ozzy Trapilo and Kiran Amegadjie. A second-round pick in this year's draft, Trapilo has been one of the most discussed standout rookies during the offseason program, and with Jones battling back from injury, Trapilo could come out of the gate firing and steal the starting role from him. There will be questions about Trapilo starting as a rookie, but with three newcomers beside him in Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson, the Bears may have enough talent and veteran leadership on the line to allow Trapilo the opportunity to learn on the job as he has the most important role in protecting Caleb Williams' blindside. This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Chicago Bears 2025 training camp preview: Offensive line
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bears' Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson dubbed NFL's best guard duo
The Chicago Bears made a concerted effort to improve their offensive line this offseason after quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked a league-high 68 times during his rookie season. The Bears completely overhauled the interior, which started with the trades for All-Pro guard Joe Thuney and former Pro Bowl guard Jonah Jackson. They signed center Drew Dalman in free agency while drafting Ozzy Trapilo, who's a contender to start at left tackle as a rookie. Advertisement But it's the duo of Thuney and Jackson that's garnering high praise from those around the league, where Pro Football Focus dubbed the pair the NFL's best guard duo entering the 2025 season. While there's no denying Thuney is one of the league's best, PFF believes Jackson could find his stride, as he's reunited with Ben Johnson in Chicago, and make this 1-2 punch the most formidable. "The NFL seems to lack an elite guard duo right now, but the Bears' offseason acquisitions on the interior profile as the league's best," writes Buday. "Jackson played only 267 snaps with the Rams in 2024 and was benched despite having signed a big contract last offseason. In previous years, he ranked among the top 30 guards in PFF overall grade multiple times under then-Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who is now the Chicago Bears' head coach. Slightly above-average play from Jackson could be enough to make this duo the best in the NFL. "Joe Thuney is arguably the best pass-blocking guard in the NFL. Before moving to left tackle in 2024, he was playing some of the best football of his career. Between Week 5 and Week 12, he allowed only one pressure on 316 pass plays and earned a 95.6 PFF pass-blocking grade, which led all guards by a significant margin." Thuney is a two-time First-Team All-Pro, three-time Pro Bowler and four-time Super Bowl winner and one of the best guards in the entire NFL. Thuney's an elite pass blocker and has been the best pass-blocking guard, per Pro Football Focus, since 2021 with a 90.2 grade. Jackson, a Pro Bowl selection in 2021, is a versatile offensive lineman who has played all three positions along the interior and brings experience alongside right tackle Darnell Wright. Advertisement If the Bears offensive line shows improvement this season, the sky's the limit for this offense with Williams under center and Johnson calling the shots on offense. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears' Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson dubbed NFL's best guard duo
