Extra day big help for Chicago Bears' O-line

The Chicago Bears have an extra day to prepare for Monday night's home opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, and nowhere is that additional prep time more welcome than on the offensive line.

Pro Bowler Josh Sitton started at left guard after signing as a free agent, getting just one week to learn the offense and to mesh with his linemates, including rookie Cody Whitehair. The second-round draft pick ceded his spot to Sitton and was transplanted to center, where he had almost no practice time before opening week.

"I think he did pretty remarkable," Bears coach John Fox said of the veteran Sitton, "especially on the road, silent count, all the things that go into playing in an indoor, noisy stadium on foreign soil. He did an outstanding job, and he'll just get better.

"He's everything as advertised."

Whitehair had his struggles, including a bungled exchange with Jay Cutler that led to a failed quarterback sneak on fourth-and-1 at the Texans' 31 that left points on the field. But Whitehair is certain to benefit from being bookended by Sitton and right guard Kyle Long, who have three Pro Bowl appearances apiece.

The rookie had the challenge of making the line calls, in addition to the presence of Vince Wilfork. The mammoth nose tackle had three-time defensive player of the year J.J. Watt on one side and 2014 No. 1 overall draft pick Jadeveon Clowney on the other.

"(That's) a pretty talented front," Fox said. "They've been together; they obviously have created some havoc over the last few years. All in all, we got our quarterback hit more than we'd like. We need to clean that up, and I think we will."

Cutler was sacked five times and hit hard on several other occasions. But as the O-line continues to jell, it should be at handling stunts that veteran defensive fronts can utilize to their advantage.

Despite being cobbled together at the last minute, the Bears' front did a better job run-blocking than it would appear from the stats. The Bears had 73 yards on 20 rushing attempts, a 3.7-yard average. Starter Jeremy Langford (57 yards on 17 carries, 3.4-yard average) admitted he left some yards on the field, and Fox agreed.

"We blocked up some runs pretty well," the coach said. "That's not an easy defense to run against, but I think there were some yards there, yards after contact that we can get, and I'm sure that's what (Langford) was referring to."

Much more is expected from wide receiver Kevin White, who was playing his first game in nearly two years. He turned the wrong way on a pass that was intercepted and had 3 catches for 34 yards on seven targets.

But the arrow is pointing up on White, who can learn from his mistakes.

"You'll just see him get better," Fox said. "Video is a great teaching tool. On the field (there are) people slapping them upside the head, and they're tired, and they're sore.

"(In the classroom) it slows down. It's air-conditioned. This league's not about not making mistakes, because you make mistakes. You're not ever 100 percent. But not making the same ones is key."

Cutler showed his displeasure after the pick by gesturing demonstratively, but the QB hasn't lost confidence in the virtual rookie. He realizes there will be growing pains.

"We need him," Cutler said. "He's going to be fine."

Fox said there's nothing wrong with Cutler's show of emotion.

"It's an emotional game," Fox said. "I can't expect people not to show emotion. I don't think any of that's intentional. They're just all competitors. They want good things to happen, and when bad things happen, there's probably an element of frustration with a lot of people.

"I'm kind of glad you didn't see my reaction after that play."

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