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<\/a><\/p>\nLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 28: Drew Dalman #52 of the Chicago Bears prepares to snap the ball during the second half of a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n
Just last week on Bears Over Beers I mentioned Dalman as my favorite OL addition this last off-season. While Joe Thuney has continued playing at an All-Pro level, Dalman has stabilized the Center position for the first time since the prime Roberto Garza years, who took over for Olin Kreutz. We are talking at least 10-15 seasons of mediocre Center. Cody Whitehair was a better Guard than Center but had issues snapping the ball. Hroniss Grasu, Sam Mustipher, Lucas Patrick and Coleman Shelton have each had their shots at the pivot for The Beloved in that timeframe. But it\u2019s been a long time since we have seen the level of play we are seeing from Dalman this season, ranking in the top 5 of most Center metrics so far in 2025.<\/p>\n
Week 13 will be his biggest test yet with 6\u20196\u201d, 340+lb DT Jordan Davis and 6\u20193\u201d, 315lb 3T Jalen Carter. Between those two players alone, Dalman will have to deal with immense size, insane athleticism, and some blue-chip talent to go with it. How he fares up front will be critical in determining how we move the ball on offense. Look for #52 on Black Friday to provide the biggest bargain of the day with his 3 year $42 million contract. If he can, Bears win. If not, Bears lose in my opinion.<\/p>\n
Defense: Gervon Dexter Sr., DT<\/p>\n
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 26: Gervon Dexter Sr. #99 of the Chicago Bears runs prior to an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 26, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens\/Getty Images) Getty Images<\/p>\n Through the first 11 games of the season, Dexter has already tied his career high for TFL and FR and is 1 sack away from his career high (5). With 11.5 total sacks so far in his 2+ seasons, Big Dex has the same amount of career sacks as the aforementioned Jalen Carter, who was taken in the first round of the same draft, 9th overall, with the selection the Bears traded back from with the Eagles to then select RT Darnell Wright with the 10th selection. Dexter was taken 44 spots behind the Eagles\u2019 DT, but the Bears were in need of a DT then and still need one now.<\/p>\n While I fully expect Dennis Allen to deploy Gervon at DE on occasion, I will be keying in on Dexter this week against the Eagles, who have arguably the best OL unit in the entire league when healthy. Granted, the Eagles OL is already down their All-Pro RT Lane Johnson, but Dexter\u2019s performance will be key to slowing down Saquon and Hurts in the run game and getting after Hurts when he drops back to pass. If he can help Bears fans forget about missing out on the Pro Bowler and 2nd team All-Pro Jalen Carter with his play, it will not only make fans feel better about the infamous 2023 NFL Draft, but also dramatically increase Chicago\u2019s chances of a Win this week.<\/p>\n Offense: Saquan Barkley, RB<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n