Frank "the Tank" Omiyale: What Does He do for the Bears' Offensive Line?

The Bears recently signed a little known offensive lineman named Frank Omiyale (OH-mee-YEL).

So far Frank "the Tank" Omiyale's highlights of his career have been these two things:

1) On October 5, 2008, Omiyale made his first NFL regular season start, replacing the injured left tackle Jordan Gross who was out with a concussion.

2) Omiyale signed a four-year, $14 million deal with the Chicago Bears on February 27, 2009.

Omiyale was asked why he chose Da Bears:

“Because it’s the Bears. I’ve heard a lot about the tradition here. From talking to other players around the league, I know it’s a family-oriented organization, so that’s what really made it attractive.”

Omiyale sounds like a Chicago Bear to me.

With the retirement of John Tait and John St. Clair maybe not returning, I have come up with the Bears starters at the o-line:

LT- Chris Williams (The Bears' 14th overall in last year's draft, was injured for most of the season).

LG- Josh Beekman (He started all 16 games for the Bears last season and did a solid job, some say he might take over at center once Olin Kreutz retires).

C- Olin Kreutz (The soon to be 32 year old, struggled at times last season, but still can be the pro bowl player he was three seasons ago).

RG- Roberto Garza (31 year old lineman was shaky at times through last season, and Bears' GM Jerry Angelo has said Frank Omiyale could compete with Garza at RG if John St. Clair doesn't resign).

RT- Frank Omiyale (From what you read above, Omiyale is very inexperienced, but many Panthers players have said he was overshadowed by Pro Bowler Jordan Gross).

Backups:

G- Dan Buenning a reserve lineman for the Bears last season could be in the mix with Garza for the starting RG job.

G- Terrence Metcalf- was suspended for four games last season and has struggled at times when he was able to start.

LS- Patrick Mannelly- Strictly a long snapper, but is listed at center.

T- Cody Balogh- spent all last season on the practice squad last season.

G- Tyler Reed- also spent all last season on the practice squad.

quotes from chicagosuntimes.com

Bears O-line playing surprisingly well

John St. Clair on the offensive line perform:

“We don’t listen to what anybody says, we try to focus on ourselves. That’s what we did in training camp. We try to play hard and our practice carries over into the game.

That’s what we’ve been doing. We believe in each other. We’re a bunch of humble guys. We just want to work hard and win. That’s what has carried us this far.”

These Guys look good eh?

The approach clearly has worked.

The offensive line, which also includes left guard Josh Beekman, center Olin Kreutz, right guard Roberto Garza and right tackle John Tait—has played a prominent role in the resurgence of an offense that has helped the Bears average 28.0 points per game, tied for the second most in the NFL.

Matt Forte on the offensive line:

“They’re playing great, they’re playing ball like they’re supposed to, protecting the quarterback and opening up running lanes. That’s what their job is, and they’re doing it.”

Ron Turner on John St. Clair's emergence:

“He’s proven a lot of people wrong, those questions more were from the outside than they were inside. A lot of guys in that locker room and the coaches had a lot of confidence in John.

“He’s played very good football for us. He’s a great worker and we’re not surprised at how he’s playing. I think everyone on the outside is. He’s played quite a bit for different guys, and whenever he’s gotten in to play, he’s always been productive and he’s played well.”

Bears trade for guard Dan Buenning and release Zackary Bowman

The Chicago Bears traded for Dan Buenning yesterday, of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The left guard came to the Bears for the sixth round pick that the Bears received for QB Brian Griese.

Since suffering a serious knee injury during the 2006 season, Buenning hasn't seen any playing time in the regular season.

Buenning, a Green Bay Native, has been working hard to regain his form, but a serious knee injury is something that is not very easy to bounce back from.

Buenning was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft.

He played college football at the University of Wisconsin.

Buenning was one of only four rookie offensive linemen in the NFL to start every game in 2005.

His second year he started only 9 games because he tore his right ACL in week nine.

His salaries are very cheap at $800,000 this year and $545,000 next season.

The Bears released 5th round pick Zackary Bowman from Nebraska, but if he clears waivers they said he will be on the practice squad.

They see alot of potential in Bowman.

College Achievements:

-Second-team All-Big Ten (2003)
-First-team All-Big Ten (2004)
-Second-team AP All-American (2004)


Josh Beekman has started all the games this preseason and it sure looks like he will be the LG, since Terrance Metcalf is out with a knee injury.

It is good they brought in a guy, who can step in and do a solid job.

What's Next?

If Buenning does a good job, the Bears will look great.

If Roberto Garza struggles or gets injured, Buenning could step in.

Beekman will start, but when Terrance Metcalf gets healthy he will be put in the lineup.

That is why bringing Fred Miller, could be a good idea, because he brings the veteran presence the offensive line lacks.