Teven Jenkins Had The Game He Needed To Against Seattle

The Chicago Bears made a surprising roster adjustment earlier this week. After spending most of this off-season working at tackle, Teven Jenkins got a phone call from offensive line coach Chris Morgan. They were moving him to guard. The second-year blocker wasn’t sure what to expect, but he accepted the challenge. It was a move several experts felt was coming. Despite spending all of college outside, his skillset felt like a better fit for the interior.

His first practice on Monday seemed to go well. Then on Tuesday, he was promoted to the first-team offense at right guard. It was a mild surprise. Michael Schofield seemed like the favorite to claim that job come opening day. However, after his rough outing against Kansas City, the Bears may have wanted to see if Jenkins had something to offer. So they got him extra reps in practice and started him on Thursday night in Seattle.

The results weren’t perfect. However, they were better than anybody had any right to think they’d be. Jenkins showed flashes of what he is and what he could become.

Teven Jenkins gave the Bears plenty to think about.

Run block #1

This is a difficult block, especially for somebody with little experience at guard. Jenkins shows quick feet and good technique to get leverage on the defensive tackle’s right shoulder. Then he shifts his stance to seal off the lane, giving Khalil Herbert a nice crease for seven yards. For all the talk about his power, this was a good demonstration of Jenkins’ athleticism as an offensive lineman.

Run block #2

This is another case of understanding his assignment. Jenkins needs to wall off the defensive tackle and not allow him to clog the lane. He drives the defender sideways and then shows strong hand technique not to allow #77 to shed the block, giving Ebner enough time to slip through the hole for a big 3rd down conversion.

Pass block #1

Nothing can kill a pass at the goal line faster than interior penetration. It haunted the Bears several times last season. Teven Jenkins doesn’t merely hold up long enough to give Siemian time to deliver the ball. He outright stones the defensive tackle, helping to former a clean pocket. What stood out was the aggressiveness with his hands. He never let the defender get a head of steam. Little things like that matter.

Pass block #2

This was Jenkins’ best block of the evening. With a blitz, Seattle looks to create some confusion, bringing a defensive back off the right edge. This forces Larry Borom to pick him up. As a result, #52 sees a gap forming in the protection. Jenkins initially looks to help center Sam Mustipher but quickly recognizes the danger. He shifts his stance and drives the Seahawks rusher out of the arc. That gave Justin Fields a chance to step up into the pocket. Unfortunately, he chose to scramble instead. It was great recognition by Jenkins, regardless of the meh result.

Nobody can say if the performance was enough to give Jenkins the starting job. Still, it was obvious he had more upside to offer than Schofield. If he is this capable now, he should only improve with time.