Bears's offensive line unit starting to impress Martz

BOURBONNAIS - A week ago Bears offensive coordinator Mike Martz said his biggest concern with his new scheme was establishing a starting offensive line and building continuity in that unit.

Martz warned it might take them longer than skill-position players to digest the playbook.

"When a new offensive line comes together like this in a new system, they are always behind everybody," Martz said. "There's just so much information for them. (In) seven-on-seven, (skill-position) guys can go out on the field against air and throw it around and get timing and learn. The offensive line, you've got to put helmet and pads on and get the timing against live people to really progress, and that's why they'll be just a little bit behind, but that's normal."

Martz already is feeling better about the line.

The Bears' will line up Saturday night against the Chargers with Chris Williams at left tackle, Roberto Garza at left guard, Olin Kreutz at center, Lance Louis at right guard and Frank Omiyale at right tackle.

"We're going to give them a chance to play together and see how that works out," Martz said. "They've gotten remarkably better because of their consistency, and they're good players. I can't tell you how much work has gone into that group and what a good job (offensive line coach) Mike (Tice) has done with them. There's some confidence starting to build. That's a physical group. I'm very pleased. It's fun to watch."

Before Martz's scheme can take off, and before quarterback Jay Cutler can erase memories of last season, and before a young-but-talented group of wide receivers can reach its potential, the o-line has to perform better than last year. Cutler was sacked 35 times in 2009 and pressured on many more plays where his throws were rushed. He'll be taking more seven-step drops in Martz's offense than he did in Ron Turner's, so he'll need more time.

But those who witnessed Omiyale's struggles last season at left guard may be skeptical he can slow the pass rush.

"He's not where he needs to be," Martz said of Omiyale. "But he's so talented, and he's got the ability to be an exceptional right tackle. He needs just like all young players and guys at that position (to learn) just the little nuances and the mental part of playing this game.

"He'll be fine. He's going to be a real good player. But he's just got to fight his way through it. You've got to work all that out."

Not all the other questions on the offensive line have been answered yet. The Bears still have issues. Warhorse Kreutz is entering his 13th season in the trenches and coming off Achilles' surgery. Garza is relearning to be a left guard after spending the previous four seasons at right guard.

"He (Kreutz) looks the same on that side," Garza said, laughing, but he admits the switch takes some adjustment. "It's obviously a work in progress. But every day I feel more comfortable. It's just making sure you flip the plays over.

"We get a lot of practice right now, so I have time to get comfortable."

Williams, the 2008 first-round draft pick, was eased into the all-important left tackle spot last season, starting the first 11 games at right tackle before switching over to protect Cutler's blind side in the final five games. In practice, coaches are making sure Williams gets plenty of snaps against five-time Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers to give him maximum exposure to an elite pass rusher.

Martz says it's working.

"Not just in the passing game, he said. "Some of the things he's done in the running game have just kind of taken me a back. His athleticism and ability to adjust to some of the things in the running game have been pretty impressive. Julius has made him a better player.

"We could go over there and help (Williams) and chip (block) Julius but that would be the wrong thing to do. We've tried to leave those tackles alone on Peppers as much as possible, and they've embraced that. It's going to make them better."