Bears guard Joe Thuney was one of six finalists named for the NFL’s first Protector of the Year Award, given for excellent offensive line play, on Thursday. The winner will be announced next week at NFL Honors, the league’s Super Bowl week awards show.
The Protector of the Year was a concept pushed by Bills tackle Dion Dawkins. The winner is picked by a committee of six former star offensive linemen.
The five other finalists are Broncos tackle Garrett Bolles, Lions tackle Penei Sewell,, Dolphins center Aaron Brewer, Chiefs center Creed Humphrey and Broncos guard Quinn Meinerz.
The Bears traded for Thuney in March and quickly gave him a contract extension. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the fourth consecutive season after playing all but five snaps for the Bears this season. Thuney was named a first-team All-Pro for the third time in his career. The Bears moved him to tackle for their playoff loss against the Rams, and he fared well.
Williams’ high-wire act of a season — he led the Bears to seven fourth-quarter comebacks and posted even more did-you-just-see-that plays — has changed the way the Bears are viewed around the league. And among those who are about to enter it.
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The most intriguing offensive lineman at the Senior Bowl didn’t play high school football.
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Edge rusher is high on the Bears’ list of upgrades, be it in the draft, in free agency or via trade.
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