The Chicago Bears had plenty of success in the 2025 season, in large part thanks to the work done by the front office to upgrade the offensive line with the additions of left guard Joe Thuney, center Drew Dalman, and right guard Jonah Jackson.
Thuney and Dalman both received Pro Bowl honors this season — with Thuney also named First-Team All Pro — helping a massive turnaround in the protection of quarterback Caleb Williams, who took 68 sacks in his rookie season but just 24 (an NFL best) in his sophomore year thanks to the presence of his new offensive linemen.
This week while they were taking part in the Pro Bowl Games festivities, Thuney was asked about playing alongside Dalman this season, crediting the veteran center for making his job and life easier in their first year together.
“He’s such a tough, smart, really good football player,” Thuney told CHGO about Dalman. “He knows the offense inside and out, he’s a great resource to have just talking about the game. We’re always communicating for everything, he made my life a lot easier on a lot of things. I really appreciate playing next to him.”
Not only did Thuney and Dalman pave the way for a much better season of protection and success for Williams at the quarterback position, but they also cemented one of the NFL’s top rushing attacks as well. Led by veteran D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai, Chicago finished their season with the third-best rushing offense in the league, averaging 144.5 yards on the ground per game.
General manager Ryan Poles put a plan in place prior to the 2025 season, and acquiring Thuney and Dalman were undoubtedly major contributors for their success this season.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears OL Joe Thuney explains how Drew Dalman makes his life easier
Reporting by Mike Pendleton, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
