Explore the significance of Joe Thuney’s addition to the Chicago Bears and how he elevates their offensive line.
This Joe Thuney film breakdown piece builds on our recent Jonah Jackson film review. Now, it’s time to look at another big addition to the Bears’ interior: Joe Thuney.
The Chicago Bears haven’t had a true tone-setter on the offensive line since Kyle Long was in his prime. That’s not a shot at Cody Whitehair or Teven Jenkins, it’s just reality. This unit needs someone who has been through the NFL wars, made real money, and knows how to win in the postseason.
Enter Joe Thuney, who is one of the most decorated and fundamentally sound linemen in the league. The Bears stole headlines by acquiring and extending Thuney this offseason, and the tape backs up why he’s worth every penny. While his power is only average, he compensates with rare consistency, exceptional technique, and elite mental processing. Let’s break down what Thuney brings to the Bears’ trenches and why his presence could change the unit’s DNA in 2025. Thuney was a topic of conversation in our recent conversation with Brandon Thorn of Trench Warfare.
Pass Protection: Clinic Tape
Thuney’s pass protection stands out for one main reason: he rarely loses clean. He doesn’t offer an overpowering anchor, but he wins with elite hand timing, footwork, and skill.
🧵 PBLK Notes from my review of Joe Thuney’s LG tape in KC (2024). In every video, he is playing LG and wearing #62.
Pass Protection Note #1:
Proactive, quick, and accurate hands with a 6th sense for anticipating pass rush moves; Textbook hand placement with a variety of sets. pic.twitter.com/Yj6ZqR5P2P
— Quinten Krzysko (@ButkusStats) July 31, 2025
Key Pass Protection Traits:
Elite hands: Quick, accurate, and varied strikes that land in the right place at the right time.
Two steps ahead: Constantly anticipating stunts, games, and twists, and handling them calmly without compromising his position.
Quick, controlled feet: Excellent lateral agility and mirroring ability; his base stays under his pads.
Eyes and hands work independently: Thuney’s eyes track threats while his hands maintain position and work through the noise.
Anchor relies on technique: Can get walked back by bull rushers when his pad level slips, but Thuney typically maintains good technique to manage threats to his anchor.
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When Thuney was asked to play left tackle for Kansas City in 2023, he handled it seamlessly despite having shorter arms. That tells you all you need to know about his technique, footspeed, and processing speed. His pass protection toolbox is that deep.
Run Blocking: Precise and Purposeful
Thuney’s not a mauler in the run game, but he doesn’t need to be. He consistently puts himself in the right position, wins with leverage and hand placement, and gets to where he’s supposed to go with veteran timing.
🧵 RBLK Notes from my review of Joe Thuney’s LG tape in KC (2024). In every video, he is playing LG and wearing #62.
Run Blocking Note #1:
Easily swings his feet and hips into position for cut-off blocks; A balanced player who rarely gets over his skis pic.twitter.com/wmuASG2nOs
— Quinten Krzysko (@ButkusStats) July 31, 2025
Key Run-Blocking Traits:
Positionally sound: Thuney rarely overextends or loses his base. He plays with a smooth and balanced nature.
Agile puller: Easily adjusts targets and angles on the move.
Leverage wizard: Uses hips, hands, and pad level to control defenders with a keen understanding of space, timing, and position.
Core flexibility: Stays attached through rips and disengagement attempts with a powerful grip and bend to sustain.
Not a people mover: Doesn’t consistently drive defenders off the ball, especially larger DTs.
Assignment correct: Gets where he needs to go, even if it’s not always flashy.
He’s not going to pancake defenders in space as often as some of the more physically imposing blockers in the NFL, but he will consistently put a helmet on the right guy and keep the play on schedule.
Can Thuney Alter the DNA of the Bears’ OL Room?
More than anything, Joe Thuney raises the floor, and possibly the ceiling, of the entire unit. He gives Chicago a stabilizing force next to a younger, more volatile tackle like Ozzy Trapilo or Braxton Jones and helps center Drew Dalman settle into his new role. Thuney’s tape is clean, his resume speaks for itself, and his influence on a young OL room could be massive. This is a grown man who’s played in 21 playoff games, started multiple Super Bowls, and earned All-Pro recognition along the way. He’s not here to figure it out. He’s here to execute, and hopefully set the bar for what it means to be a successful blocker in the NFL.
Final Thoughts on Joe Thuney
The Bears’ interior offensive line has a chance to be a strength in 2025. With Jackson’s power and Thuney’s polish flanking Dalman, Chicago has built a three-man core that fits their new identity: quick-game timing, zone runs, screens, and physicality in space. Last season, I often discussed the Bears’ offensive line needing a respected leader who has made real money and won some NFL games to set the expectation for the room. Thuney fits that description like a glove. His presence, skill, and knowledge will be invaluable for the development, growth, and success of the Chicago Bears’ offensive line over the next few seasons.
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