Bears Rookie Ozzy Trapilo to Start with LT Against Steelers' Scary Defensive Ends
The Chicago Bears are putting their trust in rookie left tackle Ozzy Trapilo to hold off the Pittsburgh Steelers' formidable defensive ends. With starting left tackle Theo Benedet ruled out due to a quad injury, Trapilo will make his NFL debut at Soldier Field on Sunday.
While the Steelers boast seven-time Pro Bowl player T.J. Watt at outside linebacker, their other edge rusher, Alex Highsmith, was sidelined for the game. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was also inactive, and third-string quarterback Case Keenum was left out of the lineup as well.
The Bears are expected to spend most of the day in nickel coverage with DโMarco Jackson and rookie Ruben Hyppolite II at linebacker. Defensive tackle Jonathan Ford and linebackers Noah Sewell and T.J. Edwards were also omitted from the starting lineup.
Despite the absence of several key players, the Steelers remain a force to be reckoned with on defense. However, Trapilo's assignment will likely be easier than expected against the Steelers' less threatening defensive ends.
In an effort to prepare for the game, Bears coach Ben Johnson likened the Steelers' defensive ends to "werewolves." While this may have been an exaggeration, it highlights the challenging task that lies ahead for Trapilo and his teammates. The rookie left tackle will need to rely on his quickness and agility to evade the Steelers' pass rush and protect quarterback Justin Fields.
The Bears are looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss last week and will likely view this game as an opportunity to prove themselves against one of the toughest defenses in the league. With Trapilo at the helm, they may just have the ingredients to succeed against the Steelers.
The Chicago Bears are putting their trust in rookie left tackle Ozzy Trapilo to hold off the Pittsburgh Steelers' formidable defensive ends. With starting left tackle Theo Benedet ruled out due to a quad injury, Trapilo will make his NFL debut at Soldier Field on Sunday.
While the Steelers boast seven-time Pro Bowl player T.J. Watt at outside linebacker, their other edge rusher, Alex Highsmith, was sidelined for the game. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was also inactive, and third-string quarterback Case Keenum was left out of the lineup as well.
The Bears are expected to spend most of the day in nickel coverage with DโMarco Jackson and rookie Ruben Hyppolite II at linebacker. Defensive tackle Jonathan Ford and linebackers Noah Sewell and T.J. Edwards were also omitted from the starting lineup.
Despite the absence of several key players, the Steelers remain a force to be reckoned with on defense. However, Trapilo's assignment will likely be easier than expected against the Steelers' less threatening defensive ends.
In an effort to prepare for the game, Bears coach Ben Johnson likened the Steelers' defensive ends to "werewolves." While this may have been an exaggeration, it highlights the challenging task that lies ahead for Trapilo and his teammates. The rookie left tackle will need to rely on his quickness and agility to evade the Steelers' pass rush and protect quarterback Justin Fields.
The Bears are looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss last week and will likely view this game as an opportunity to prove themselves against one of the toughest defenses in the league. With Trapilo at the helm, they may just have the ingredients to succeed against the Steelers.