Explore the significance of Joe Thuney\u2019s addition to the Chicago Bears and how he elevates their offensive line.<\/p>\n
This Joe Thuney film breakdown piece builds on our recent Jonah Jackson film review<\/a>. Now, it\u2019s time to look at another big addition to the Bears\u2019 interior: Joe Thuney.<\/p>\n The Chicago Bears haven\u2019t had a true tone-setter on the offensive line since Kyle Long was in his prime. That\u2019s not a shot at Cody Whitehair or Teven Jenkins, it\u2019s just reality. This unit needs someone who has been through the NFL wars, made real money, and knows how to win in the postseason.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, and the tape backs up why he\u2019s worth every penny. While his power is only average, he compensates with rare consistency, exceptional technique, and elite mental processing. Let\u2019s break down what Thuney brings to the Bears\u2019 trenches and why his presence could change the unit\u2019s DNA in 2025. Thuney was a topic of conversation in our recent conversation with Brandon Thorn of Trench Warfare.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Pass Protection: Clinic Tape<\/p>\n Thuney\u2019s pass protection stands out for one main reason: he rarely loses clean. He doesn\u2019t offer an overpowering anchor, but he wins with elite hand timing, footwork, and skill.<\/p>\n \ud83e\uddf5 PBLK Notes from my review of Joe Thuney’s LG tape in KC (2024). In every video, he is playing LG and wearing #62. <\/p>\n Pass Protection Note #1:<\/p>\n 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<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Quinten Krzysko (@ButkusStats) July 31, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n Key Pass Protection Traits:<\/p>\n Elite hands: Quick, accurate, and varied strikes that land in the right place at the right time.<\/p>\n Two steps ahead: Constantly anticipating stunts, games, and twists, and handling them calmly without compromising his position.<\/p>\n Quick, controlled feet: Excellent lateral agility and mirroring ability; his base stays under his pads.<\/p>\n Eyes and hands work independently: Thuney\u2019s eyes track threats while his hands maintain position and work through the noise.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n More Sports News<\/p>\n \t .wp-block-group__inner-container:has(> .embla), \t\tsvg { 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.<\/p>\n Run Blocking: Precise and Purposeful<\/p>\n Thuney\u2019s not a mauler in the run game, but he doesn\u2019t need to be. He consistently puts himself in the right position, wins with leverage and hand placement, and gets to where he\u2019s supposed to go with veteran timing.<\/p>\n \ud83e\uddf5 RBLK Notes from my review of Joe Thuney’s LG tape in KC (2024). In every video, he is playing LG and wearing #62.<\/p>\n Run Blocking Note #1:<\/p>\n 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<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Quinten Krzysko (@ButkusStats) July 31, 2025<\/a> <\/p>\n Key Run-Blocking Traits:<\/p>\n Positionally sound: Thuney rarely overextends or loses his base. He plays with a smooth and balanced nature.<\/p>\n Agile puller: Easily adjusts targets and angles on the move.<\/p>\n Leverage wizard: Uses hips, hands, and pad level to control defenders with a keen understanding of space, timing, and position.<\/p>\n Core flexibility: Stays attached through rips and disengagement attempts with a powerful grip and bend to sustain.<\/p>\n Not a people mover: Doesn\u2019t consistently drive defenders off the ball, especially larger DTs.<\/p>\n Assignment correct: Gets where he needs to go, even if it\u2019s not always flashy.<\/p>\n He\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Can Thuney Alter the DNA of the Bears\u2019 OL Room?<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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\u2019s played in 21 playoff games<\/a>, started multiple Super Bowls, and earned All-Pro recognition along the way. He\u2019s not here to figure it out. He\u2019s here to execute, and hopefully set the bar for what it means to be a successful blocker in the NFL.<\/p>\n Final Thoughts on Joe Thuney<\/p>\n The Bears\u2019 interior offensive line has a chance to be a strength in 2025. With Jackson\u2019s power and Thuney\u2019s 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\u2019 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\u2019 offensive line over the next few seasons.<\/p>\n Subscribe to\u00a0On Tap Sports Net on YouTube<\/a>\u00a0and the\u00a0Bears On Tap<\/a>\u00a0podcast for more Chicago Bears content, updates, and hot takes!<\/p>\n
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