After their first playoff appearance in five seasons, the Chicago Bears have renewed expectations going into 2026. Caleb Williams flashed a lot of talent last season and gave Bear fans a reason to be excited about the quarterback position for the first time…maybe ever in franchise history. The offense looked great and while the defense had its issues, the team found ways to win. Sometimes in wilder fashion than others.
With the sixth-toughest schedule in the NFL ahead of them, Chicago has a tough road to get back to the playoffs in consecutive seasons. If they do, that would mark the first time since 2005 and 2006 that they achieved that mark. 2006 was a special year for the Bears, of course, and something they’d no doubt like to replicate.
Today we’re going to look at the underappreciated offensive line, and take a snapshot of Detroit Lions star Penei Sewell.
Penei Sewell
Screen Capture
Sewell was a top-tier prospect after his run at the University of Oregon. At the time in college, scouts and experts alike raved over his performances right from the start. It was clear that if you were watching him in green and yellow, you knew that you saw someone special developing. And so far, that’s exactly what’s happened.
Since arriving, he’s started 83 games for the Lions. He’s missed only a very limited time on the field and lately has been piling up recognition. He’s received three straight trips to the AP All-Pro First Team for his efforts on the line. He’s been clearly one of the best offensive linemen, and the definitive best tackle in the league and may have been since he first got there. Last season according to Pro Football Focus, Sewell graded as the top offensive lineman in the league and allowed only 19 pressures and only two sacks.
The Bears’ pass rush, or lack thereof, has been an issue for the team. While Montez Sweat looms, his play isn’t up to the level that others around the league have. The Bears are working on their defensive line (and defense as a whole) but when they run into Sewell - twice - they could have their hands full.
